20 Amp Cable Size at 5 Meters (230V Single-Phase (IEC Europe / UK / AU))
IEC 60364-5-52 metric conductor sizing (mm²), voltage drop, and power loss calculation for 20 A over 5 m (16.4 ft).
Copper Cable (≤3% Drop)2.5 mm²Drop: 1.71V (0.74%)
Aluminum Cable (≤3% Drop)4 mm²Drop: 1.76V (0.77%)
Voltage at Load228.3 VLine Loss: 34.2 W
Max Power & Breaker4.6 kW20A MCB/MCCB
IEC 60364 Cable Cross-Section Table (1.5 mm² – 400 mm²) for 20A at 5m
| Cross-Section (mm²) | Cu Ampacity | Al Ampacity | Cu Voltage Drop | Load Voltage | Al Voltage Drop | Power Loss | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mm² | 16 A | 12 A | 2.85 V (1.24%) | 227.1 V | 4.71 V (2.05%) | 57.1 W | Drop High |
| 2.5 mm² | 24 A | 18 A | 1.71 V (0.74%) | 228.3 V | 2.82 V (1.23%) | 34.2 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 4 mm² | 32 A | 25 A | 1.07 V (0.47%) | 228.9 V | 1.76 V (0.77%) | 21.4 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 6 mm² | 41 A | 32 A | 0.71 V (0.31%) | 229.3 V | 1.18 V (0.51%) | 14.3 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 10 mm² | 57 A | 44 A | 0.43 V (0.19%) | 229.6 V | 0.71 V (0.31%) | 8.6 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 16 mm² | 76 A | 59 A | 0.27 V (0.12%) | 229.7 V | 0.44 V (0.19%) | 5.3 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 25 mm² | 101 A | 78 A | 0.17 V (0.07%) | 229.8 V | 0.28 V (0.12%) | 3.4 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 35 mm² | 125 A | 97 A | 0.12 V (0.05%) | 229.9 V | 0.2 V (0.09%) | 2.4 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 50 mm² | 151 A | 118 A | 0.09 V (0.04%) | 229.9 V | 0.14 V (0.06%) | 1.7 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 70 mm² | 192 A | 150 A | 0.06 V (0.03%) | 229.9 V | 0.1 V (0.04%) | 1.2 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 95 mm² | 232 A | 181 A | 0.05 V (0.02%) | 230.0 V | 0.07 V (0.03%) | 0.9 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 120 mm² | 269 A | 210 A | 0.04 V (0.02%) | 230.0 V | 0.06 V (0.03%) | 0.7 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 150 mm² | 309 A | 241 A | 0.03 V (0.01%) | 230.0 V | 0.05 V (0.02%) | 0.6 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 185 mm² | 353 A | 275 A | 0.02 V (0.01%) | 230.0 V | 0.04 V (0.02%) | 0.5 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 240 mm² | 415 A | 324 A | 0.02 V (0.01%) | 230.0 V | 0.03 V (0.01%) | 0.4 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 300 mm² | 477 A | 372 A | 0.01 V (0.01%) | 230.0 V | 0.02 V (0.01%) | 0.3 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
| 400 mm² | 570 A | 445 A | 0.01 V (0.0%) | 230.0 V | 0.02 V (0.01%) | 0.2 W | ✓ OK (≤3%) |
FAQ — 20 Amp Cable Size at 5 Meters (230V Single-Phase (IEC Europe / UK / AU))
What mm² cable size is required for 20A at 5 meters (230V)?
According to IEC 60364-5-52 ampacity and the 3% maximum voltage drop standard, you need 2.5 mm² copper cable for 20A over 5m at 230V (voltage drop: 1.71V or 0.74%).
What is the power capacity of 20A at 230V?
At unity power factor, 20A at 230V supports 4.6 kW with a standard 20A circuit breaker.
Related Lengths & Currents (230V)
20A · 10m (230V)20A · 15m (230V)20A · 20m (230V)20A · 25m (230V)20A · 30m (230V)20A · 35m (230V)20A · 40m (230V)20A · 45m (230V)20A · 50m (230V)20A · 60m (230V)20A · 70m (230V)10A · 5m (230V)16A · 5m (230V)25A · 5m (230V)32A · 5m (230V)40A · 5m (230V)50A · 5m (230V)63A · 5m (230V)80A · 5m (230V)100A · 5m (230V)125A · 5m (230V)160A · 5m (230V)200A · 5m (230V)