Cross-Sectional Area of Wire: How to Calculate and Select Properly?
Choosing the right wire size is critical for safety, efficiency, and performance in any electrical project. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of a wire determines how much current it can safely carry without overheating. Get it wrong, and you risk voltage drops, fire hazards, or system failures. We’ve spent over 15 years in the cable industry helping engineers and installers select the perfect wire size — and today, we’re breaking it down step by step. Table of Contents 1. What is Cross-Sectional Area (CSA) of a Wire? 2. How to Calculate Cross-Sectional Area 3. Quick Reference: mm² to AWG Conversion 4. How to Select the Right Wire Size (Step-by-Step) 5. Common Mistakes to Avoid 6. Cross-Sectional Area vs. Current Capacity: Real-World Example 7. Partner with a Trusted Cable Supplier 1. What is Cross-Sectional Area (CSA) of a Wire? The cross-sectional area refers to the area of the conductor perpendicular to the current flow. For solid round wires, it’s simply the area of ...