Supervolt cable cross-section calculator – What to look out for
With the Supervolt cable cross-section calculator, you can easily calculate the right cable thickness for your project.
With our cable cross-section calculator, we want to make it easy for you to find the right cable thickness for your project.
When planning and implementing electrical installations, choosing the right cable cross-section is crucial. Errors in this area can not only impair the functionality of electrical systems, but also pose serious safety risks.
That’s why you need to think carefully when choosing the cable and use the right cable cross-section. Our cable cross-section calculator will help you with this.
In this blog article, we explain which additional points you should consider when laying the cables.
Table of contents
Supervolt cable cross-section calculator
Using the cable cross-section calculator
Cable lengthSet to the single length of the cable section
Rated current: Set to the maximum rated current of the consumer – you can switch between amperes and watts
Voltage of the battery system: Here you select which battery system is available: 12V, 24V or 48V
Recommended cable: The cable cross-section recommended by us is displayed in this field.
Why the cable cross-section is important
The cable cross-section determines how much current (amperes) can safely flow through the cable without overheating or voltage loss. A cross-section that is too small leads to the following problems:
- Overheating and fire hazard
Cables that are too thin can become very hot due to high currents, which in the worst case can lead to a cable fire. - Voltage loss
Longer cable runs and insufficient cross-section can lead to a sharp drop in voltage at the end of the cable. This can damage sensitive devices or restrict their function. - Power loss
Voltage losses mean inefficient energy transmission, which is particularly problematic in motorhomes with limited energy sources.
Determine the consumer's power
In order to use our cable cross-section calculator correctly, you need to know how much current will flow through the cable (in the tip).
To do this, you need to take a look at the appliance or the data sheet. The power of an electrical appliance is specified in watts (W).
If you can only see the current (amperes) and the voltage (volts) of the electrical appliance, you can simply multiply these two values to determine the power (watts).
Formula for determining performance
Watt = Volt * Ampere
Cable length
The cable length has a considerable influence on the correct cable cross-section.
As the cable itself represents a resistance for the current flowing through it, a larger cable cross-section is required as the cable length increases.
You should therefore install particularly large loads, such as an inverteras close as possible to the battery. This can counteract an oversized cable cross-section.
- Install large loads as close as possible to the battery (e.g. inverters)
- Keep cable lengths as short as possible - Avoid unnecessary cable runs wherever possible
Voltage drop
Voltage drop refers to the loss of electrical voltage (volts) along a cable and mainly occurs with longer cables or cables with too small a cross-section.
Put simply: The longer and thinner the cable, the less voltage arrives at the end of the cable.
Particularly sensitive devices or devices with high power can react sensitively to low voltage and even be permanently damaged. To minimize the voltage drop, you should ensure that large consumers are installed as close as possible to the battery.
Too small a cable cross-section also leads to a higher voltage loss.
Conclusion on the cable cross-section
Choosing the right cable cross-section is an essential part of any electrical installation in a motorhome. It not only guarantees safety, but also ensures that the electrical systems function reliably and efficiently.
Careful planning, taking into account all relevant parameters, is therefore essential. If you are unsure, you should definitely consult a specialist. Safety always comes first!
Supervolt - LiFePO4 batteries and accessories
First-class LiFePO4 batteries for your project can be found directly in our store.
By the way: Suitable electronic accessories are also available directly from us.
Inverters, charging boosters, solar controllers and more – directly from us.
