Wire (AWG) Calculator

Assists the aircraft Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic in determining the correct American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire size for given conditions.

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.