Cable Sizes: Australia
| Conductor Size (mm²) | Typical Current Rating (Clip-on) | Common Australian Applications | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 10 Amps | Lighting circuits (rarely used now; most use 1.5mm) | | 1.5 mm² | 15 Amps | Standard lighting circuits, smoke alarms. | | 2.5 mm² | 20-25 Amps | General Power Outlets (10A GPOs). Standard home power circuit. | | 4.0 mm² | 32 Amps | Dedicated circuits: Ovens, cooktops, large air conditioners (up to 7kW). | | 6.0 mm² | 40-50 Amps | Instantaneous hot water, induction cooktops, sub-mains to a shed (short run). | | 10 mm² | 65 Amps | Small sub-mains (garage/granny flat), large commercial ovens. | | 16 mm² | 85 Amps | Main switchboard upgrades, EV chargers (high power), large sub-mains. |
You can't just pick a cable based on the appliance's amp rating alone. You must also consider: cable sizes australia
| Cable Size | Common Application | Breaker Size (Typical) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Lighting | 10A | | 2.5mm² | Power Points / Small A/C | 16A or 20A | | 4.0mm² | Electric Ovens / Large A/C | 25A or 32A | | 6.0mm²+ | Sub-Mains / Induction Cooktops | 32A to 40A+ | | Conductor Size (mm²) | Typical Current Rating
If you are wiring up a shed, a granny flat, or running power to a pool pump, standard power cables won't cut it. | | 16 mm² | 85 Amps |
: Ensure the cable is rated for its environment (e.g., UV-resistant for outdoor solar or heat-resistant for engine bays).
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