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Landscape Lighting Cable Voltage Drop Calculator

Compare 12, 10, 8 and 6 AWG cable using current, one-way length and conductor resistance. See when no candidate meets your entered voltage drop limit.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Circuit current (A), One-way cable length (ft), Source voltage (V), Allowed voltage drop (%), and 5 more
Output to expect
Compare cable voltage drop
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Compare cable voltage drop

Compare 12, 10, 8 and 6 AWG candidates for an entered two-conductor run, assuming the entire entered current is at the far end. Enter each conductor resistance at the intended condition. The illustrative defaults are uncoated class B/C stranded copper at 25°C from Southwire Table 2-6.

Resistance-only drop = 2 × one-way feet × amperes × ohms per 1000 ft / 1000; drop percentage = drop / source volts × 100. Select the smallest listed AWG candidate meeting the entered limit, or report none.

Updated: September 2026

Example Scenarios

The built-in example supplies labeled assumptions. Replace them with your own records before making a decision.

→ 6 AWG is the smallest listed candidate within the entered drop limit

FAQ

The result says no listed candidate meets the entered limit. It does not recommend the largest gauge as passing. Resistance-only drop does not establish ampacity, listing or installation approval.

Use your own records on the units and period shown. Enter explicit zeros for absent amounts, verify current terms and record the dates and assumptions.

Choose Save planning case for local history. Copy MD includes current inputs, notes and interpretation; Download CSV exports the result breakdown. Keep a portable copy separately.

About Landscape Lighting Cable Voltage Drop Calculator

Compare 12, 10, 8 and 6 AWG candidates for an entered two-conductor run, assuming the entire entered current is at the far end. Enter each conductor resistance at the intended condition. The illustrative defaults are uncoated class B/C stranded copper at 25°C from Southwire Table 2-6.