AS/NZS 3008 Cable Sizing Calculator

Understanding AS/NZS 3008 Cable Sizing

AS/NZS 3008 is an Australian/New Zealand standard that provides guidelines for the selection of electrical cables in low-voltage installations. This standard takes into account various factors such as cable type, current carrying capacity, voltage, and installation conditions.

Formula Used

The formula used for sizing the cable is simplified for the sake of this calculator:

Cable Size (mm²) = (Current * Length) / (Voltage * Factor)

Where:

• Current (A): The electrical current flowing through the cable.
• Length (m): The distance the cable will run from the power source to the load.
• Voltage (V): The voltage supplied to the system.
• Cable Type Factor: A multiplication factor depending on whether the cable is XLPE or PVC.

Choosing the Right Cable Size

Correct cable sizing is essential to ensure safety and efficiency in electrical installations. An undersized cable may overheat, resulting in energy loss and possible damage to electrical equipment. Over-sizing, on the other hand, can be unnecessarily expensive. AS/NZS 3008 provides the necessary guidelines to ensure that the cable size selected meets the requirements for current carrying capacity and voltage drop.