Wire (AWG) Calculator

AWG Calculator



IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS CALCULATOR IS *NOT* A GENERAL PURPOSE WIRE GUAGE CALCULATOR.

IT IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR FAA REGISTERED AIRCRAFT WIRING, LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING APPROVED VOLTAGES: 14VDC, 28VDC, 115VAC AND 200VAC.



This app assists the aircraft airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic in determining the correct American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire size for given conditions, according to procedures outlined in FAA Publication AC 43-13 1B (Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices - Aircraft Inspection and Repair), Chapter 11. Conditions include circuit length, current, voltage, wire temperature (known or estimated) and derating factors for both altitude and wire bundle size/loading percentage.



The app also contains utilities that enable the aircraft mechanic to determine the following parameters without hands-on use of the AC 43-13 (when field/shop conditions make it impractical). Figures are referenced:



- Maximum Wire Length (standard temperature).
-- Input parameters: circuit voltage, current, current flow and AWG.
-- Output: L1.
-- Ref: AC 43-13 1B, Fig 11-2/3



- Maximum Current (standard temperature).
-- Input parameters: circuit voltage, current flow, wire length and AWG.
-- Output: Max Current.
-- Ref: AC 43-13 1B, Fig 11-2/3



- Altitude Deration Factor.
-- Input parameter: Max Altitude.
-- Output: Altitude Deration Factor.
-- Ref: AC 43-13 1B, Fig 11-5



- Bundle Deration Factor.
-- Input parameters: Wire Count and Loading Percentage
-- Output: Bundle Deration Factor.
-- Ref: AC 43-13 1B, Fig 11-5



- IMAX (elevated temperature).
-- Input parameters: ambient temperature, conductor temperature rating and AWG.
-- Output: IMAX.
-- Ref: AC 43-13 1B, Fig 11-4a/b



- Bundle Builder (NEW!)
-- Input parameters: number of wires, awg sizes, wire currents, maximum altitude, ambient temperature, wire rating, loading factor
-- Output: Bundle IMAX (derated for bundle and altitude) with table for IMAX per wire.
-- Ref: AC 43-13 1B, Fig 11-4a/b



When a input/output parameters exceed chart limits, data is extrapolated and an appropriate warning ("** extrapolated data") is shown.



Disclaimer

The user of AWG CALCULATOR for any specific application without an independent verification of its accuracy does so at his/her own risk and assumes any and all liability resulting from such use. No warranty is offered as to the accuracy of results. Users should have a thorough understanding of the relevant theoretical criteria.