Voltage Drop Calculator Canada.

Professional wire sizing tool optimized for the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC). Ensure Rule 8-102 compliance for your installations.

DC
AC 1-PHASE
AC 3-PHASE
Voltage Drop 2.97V
Percentage Drop 2.48%
End Voltage 117.03V
CEC COMPLIANT

🇨🇦 CEC Rule 8-102 Requirements

In Canada, the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) mandate strict limits on voltage drop to ensure safety and equipment performance. Rule 8-102 specifies:

  • Max 3% Drop: For any individual feeder or branch circuit.
  • Max 5% Total: From the point of delivery (utility meter) to the point of utilization (outlet/appliance).

📐 AWG to Metric Conversion

While AWG is commonly used in Canada, many specifications call for metric (mm²) sizes. This table shows the standard equivalents used in the Canadian industry:

AWGMetric (mm²)
14 AWG2.08
12 AWG3.31
10 AWG5.26
8 AWG8.37
6 AWG13.3
4 AWG21.2

🧮 The Calculation Formula

This calculator uses the standard voltage drop formula accepted by Canadian inspection authorities:

Vdrop = (2 × K × I × L) / CM

Where:

❓ FAQ - Canada Voltage Drop

Is voltage drop a recommendation or a rule in Canada?

Unlike the NEC (US), where it is often an informational note, the CEC Rule 8-102 makes these limits mandatory. Installations exceeding these limits may fail electrical inspection.

Does distance affect the wire size in Canada?

Yes. Due to Canada's vast geography, long runs are common for rural properties and industrial sites. Larger wire sizes are often required purely for voltage drop, even if the ampacity is sufficient.