Smarter Cable Sizing with CableHero

  Oversizing electrical cables is a common practice to reduce voltage drop and improve reliability. While this may seem sensible for high-demand or critical systems, using a larger cable than necessary can lead to extra costs, installation difficulties, and safety risks. That said, a properly sized cable should balance performance, compliance, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in commercial and utility-scale installations. In this article, you get to explore the technical risks of unnecessary oversizing and highlights how modern tools like a cable sizing calculator can assist in achieving optimal results.   Misconceptions About Oversizing Cables Many engineers and installers assume that using larger cables is inherently better because of their lower resistance, which can reduce voltage drop and energy loss. However, this assumption can lead to impractical decisions. Oversizing cables beyond what a load requires offers little gain. It introduces problems such as higher cost...

Conduit sizing determines the correct conduit diameter to safely enclose and protect electrical cables. In Australian electrical systems, properly sized conduits prevent wires from overheating, avoid mechanical damage, and maintain system integrity. Because of this, standard procedures on conduit sizing should be followed to avoid potential hazards. Fortunately, the process is straightforward, and the right tools help simplify it.With that said, this guide outlines the exact steps to size conduits efficiently and safely using Australian industry standards.   Importance of Sizing Conduits A conduit is a protective tube that houses and shields electrical cables from physical and thermal damage. It ensures that these cables are not exposed to environmental factors such as moisture, heat, and mechanical stress. There are two common conduit types used in Australia, and these are rigid conduits and flexible conduits. Rigid conduits are typically made from heavy-duty PVC or metal, which ...

Designing electrical systems for solar farms requires a methodical approach that balances efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. With a properly designed electrical system, it ensures that the energy harvested from photovoltaic (PV) arrays is transmitted with minimal losses and delivered reliably to the grid or storage systems. Key factors in this process include voltage drop calculation , cable resistance, soil resistivity, and the application of derating factors. Each helps maintain the performance and integrity of the entire electrical infrastructure. In this guide, we'll discuss how to integrate these factors to prepare effective solar farm electrical system designs.   Key Components of Solar Farm Electrical System Design A solar farm's electrical layout typically includes PV modules, combiner boxes, inverters, step-up transformers, and grid connection points. Power flow involves transferring generated direct current (DC) from solar panels, converted to alternating ...

  Long cable runs are required to supply power to remote areas, proportionally increasing resistance, which leads to voltage reductions at the load end. If left unaddressed, this can cause inefficient equipment operation, overheating, or premature failure, especially in high-demand or variable load conditions. Knowing how to determine and calculate voltage drop helps maintain system reliability and comply with AS/NZS 3000 standards. Key variables such as load current, cable material, and environmental factors help calculate voltage drop accurately. This article unpacks the technical aspects of rural voltage management and offers guidance on choosing the right cable size to mitigate voltage loss effectively.   Why Voltage Drop Happens Voltage drop refers to the natural consequence of cable resistance as electrical current travels through a conductor. Its effect becomes more prominent over long distances, which is commonly the case in rural environments. Key causes of voltage d...

Setting up temporary power for construction sites presents challenges that demand precise electrical planning. Powering mobile machinery, lighting towers, or site offices requires carefully selected cable sizes to ensure safety and reliable performance. For this reason, knowing how to size earthing cables , neutrals, and phase conductors is important for compliance and durability. With that said, this article will guide you in finding the right cable size for temporary setups such as construction sites. Why Temporary Sites Pose Unique Challenges Construction sites have unpredictable, evolving conditions. Unlike permanent installations, temporary setups introduce factors that increase the likelihood of cable damage, overheating, or electrical faults. These environmental conditions come in the form of: Weather exposure : rain, dust, and UV damage. Mechanical stress : frequent relocation, tight bends, or exposure to heavy equipment. Variable loads : fluctuating demand from portable genera...

When you’re setting up an electrical system, the size of the cable might look like a simple choice at first glance. But it’s actually influenced by several factors that affect how well your installation performs and how safe it is over time. After all, choosing the right cable isn’t just about picking numbers off a datasheet. To determine the correct cable size, you need to understand how your electrical load, cable length, installation environment, and system type work together. In this article, you get to learn the clear, technical guidance on what impacts cable size, tailored to your residential or commercial projects, while following Australian standards.   Factors That Affect Cable Size Understanding the main factors influencing cable size helps you choose the right cable for your electrical needs. Some of these factors include the following!   Electrical Load One of the primary influences on cable size is the electrical load—the current your cable must safely handle. To ...