Copper wire can generally carry more current than aluminum wire of the same gauge (size) due to copper’s higher conductivity and lower resistance. Aluminum wire typically needs to be larger (approximately 50-60% greater cross-sectional area) to carry the same current as a copper wire. Specifically, an aluminum conductor has roughly 40% lower current-carrying capacity than a copper conductor of equivalent size
if 1 sqmm wire copper carries 2.5A then 1.5A alumiumium which is 60%. or 40% lower than copper wire size. Conservation very safety mode.
According to me 5A socket connect with 1sqmm, swith boards with 2.5sqmm upto 1.5 ton ac 2.5sqm 2ton+ac sqmm needed. geyser which is rated 2000w need atleast 2.5sqmm which 12A in our mode 2000/230=8.69A (starting current double 16A) can handle.
As per IS 694, for a 1 sq mm copper wire (PVC insulated, 1100V grade), the typical current carrying capacity is around 12 amps.
service wire from pole should be conservative mode becuase there are lot of rooms. with home load of KW 3, 5, 8, 9 .
Home single phase load 2 core pvsc alumnium
4 sqmm = 17-20A
6 sqmm = 23-25A
10sqmm = 30-35A
16sqmm = 38-40A (three phase recommeded)
3KW 3000w/230v=13A 4sqmm alumiuim
5 kw 5000w/230v=22A 6sqmm alumiuim
8kw 8000w/230v=35A 10sqmm alumiuim
9kw 9000w/230v=40A 16sqmm alumiuim
add margin of safety at least 20%. 30-40% better.
comparison of current-carrying capacities for copper and aluminum wires across different levels of “aggressiveness,” along with their corresponding gauge sizes (AWG/SWG).
It’s important to understand that current-carrying capacity (ampacity) is not a fixed number per square millimeter. It depends on various factors as discussed previously, including:
- Insulation Type: Different insulation materials (PVC, XLPE, etc.) have different temperature ratings.
- Installation Method: Whether the wire is in conduit, open air, bundled, etc., significantly affects heat dissipation.
- Ambient Temperature: Higher ambient temperatures reduce ampacity.
- Voltage Drop Considerations: For practical applications, voltage drop is often the limiting factor, not just thermal capacity.
- National/Local Electrical Codes: These codes provide official, conservative ratings for safety.
However, based on your request to assume certain ampacities per sqmm for different modes, here’s a table. I’ll include common square millimeter (sqmm) sizes and their closest AWG (American Wire Gauge) and SWG (Standard Wire Gauge – British/Indian) equivalents.
Important Disclaimers:
- Simplified Assumptions: The current densities (A/sqmm) you provided are simplified for this table. Real-world ampacity charts from electrical codes are much more detailed and depend on numerous factors.
- Safety First: Always consult official electrical codes and qualified electricians for actual wiring installations. Using undersized wire can lead to overheating, fire, and equipment damage.
- Aluminum vs. Copper: Aluminum has lower conductivity than copper. Therefore, for the same current, an aluminum wire needs to be significantly larger in cross-sectional area than a copper wire.
- Gauge Systems:
- AWG (American Wire Gauge): Used in North America and some other regions. Smaller AWG numbers mean larger wire.
- SWG (Standard Wire Gauge): Historically used in the UK and India. Smaller SWG numbers mean larger wire.
- mm² (Square Millimeter): Used in most parts of the world (metric system). Larger mm² means larger wire.
Assumed Current Carrying Capacity (Ampacity) Table
Notes on Gauge Conversions:
- AWG to sqmm: AWG is a logarithmic scale. The provided equivalents are commonly used approximations.
- SWG to sqmm: SWG is also a system based on drawing dies.
- Exact conversions between AWG/SWG and mm² can vary slightly based on the specific manufacturing standards or tables used. The values in the table are representative of commonly available sizes.
This table gives you a conceptual understanding based on your assumed current densities. Remember that for any actual electrical installation, you must refer to the relevant electrical codes and consult a licensed professional.
1.5 ton ac wire size 7A rated connecting with 1sqmm which is upto 10A it burns
Assuming alumiumium 50% lower carrying capacity wire size and AMP rating
Current carrying capacity of 1 sq mm copper wire india
The most relevant standard for household and general wiring in India is IS 694: Polyvinyl chloride insulated unsheathed and sheathed cables/cords with rigid and flexible conductor for rated voltages up to and including 1100 V. This standard specifies the current ratings for PVC insulated copper and aluminum conductors.
As per IS 694, for a 1 sq mm copper wire (PVC insulated, 1100V grade), the typical current carrying capacity is around 12 amps.
check voltage rating before buying Single core unsheathed flexible cables in voltage grade up to 1100 V.
Voltage Rating:
PVC insulated wires are commonly used in low and medium voltage applications (e.g., 600V, 1kV, 11kV).
Standards:
Charts often refer to relevant standards like BS6004, IS 694, or UL standards (e.g., UL 1065).
Here’s a breakdown of what influences this rating and why it’s given as a general figure:
- Standard (IS 694): This is the key standard in India that defines the specifications for PVC insulated cables used in domestic and light industrial applications.
- Insulation Type: The common insulation for household wiring in India is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). The temperature rating of the insulation (e.g., 70°C for general purpose PVC) is a critical factor.
- Installation Method: The ampacity can vary based on how the cable is installed. Common methods include:
- Clipped direct or in free air: This allows for better heat dissipation, leading to higher ampacity.
- In conduit or trunking (enclosed): This restricts heat dissipation, reducing the ampacity.
- Bundled with other cables: Further reduces ampacity due to heat accumulation.
- Ambient Temperature: The standard ratings are typically given for an ambient temperature of 40°C, which is common in many parts of India. For higher ambient temperatures, derating factors need to be applied.
- Number of Cores: Whether it’s a single-core, two-core, three-core, or multi-core cable also affects the rating due to heat dissipation characteristics.
Example from IS 694 (as seen in search results):
For a 1 sq mm copper wire with PVC insulation (1100V grade):
- Single Core: Often listed around 12 Amps (for typical installation methods like in conduit or trunking). Some sources might quote slightly higher for “clipped direct” or “unenclosed” scenarios (e.g., 15 Amps).
- Multi-core (e.g., 2C or 3C x 1 sqmm): The rating per conductor might remain similar or slightly lower when bundled. For example, a 2C x 1 sqmm or 3C x 1 sqmm might still be rated for 12 Amps per conductor under certain conditions.
Key Takeaway:
The most commonly cited and practical current carrying capacity for a 1 sq mm copper wire in typical Indian household wiring (PVC insulated, in conduit/trunking, 40°C ambient) is 10-12 Amps.
While some sources might mention 15 Amps, it’s generally for ideal conditions (e.g., clipped direct, very good ventilation) or for specific types of PVC/XLPE with higher temperature ratings. For safety and compliance with common practices, adhering to the 10-12 Amps range for 1 sqmm copper in Indian residential/commercial settings is a conservative and safe approach.
Always refer to the latest edition of IS 694 or consult with a certified electrician for specific installation requirements and precise ampacity tables.
For 230V circuits in India, the appropriate copper wire size depends on the electrical load. Generally, a 1.5mm² wire is suitable for loads up to 1kW, 2.5mm² for up to 2kW, 4.0mm² for up to 3kW, and 6.0mm² for up to 5kW
