The Cable cross-section is the cross-section of the copper cores in mm². With 24 V actuators it matters more than with 230 V: because the voltage is low, the Voltage drop on long cables has a strong effect.
Rule of thumb
Cross-section A = 2 × length × current ÷ (56 × permissible Voltage drop). 56 is the conductivity of copper in m/(Ω·mm²). A voltage drop of at most about 5 % is usual, i.e. around 1.2 V at 24 V.
Example
- Cable length 20 m, actuator 2 A, permissible voltage drop 1.2 V
- A = 2 × 20 × 2 ÷ (56 × 1.2) ≈ 1.2 mm²
- the next larger standard cross-section is chosen: 1.5 mm²
Table: maximum cable length at 24 V
Guide values for the single cable length (control unit to actuator) with copper cable and at most 5 % voltage drop (1.2 V), calculated with the rule of thumb above and rounded down:
| Cross-section | 1 A | 2 A | 4 A | 7 A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75 mm² | 25 m | 12 m | 6 m | 3 m |
| 1.5 mm² | 50 m | 25 m | 12 m | 7 m |
| 2.5 mm² | 84 m | 42 m | 21 m | 12 m |
Important
Exact cable sizing and the connection to 230 V must be carried out by a qualified electrician. Manufacturer information in the data sheet takes precedence.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a thinner cable enough at 230 V?
For the same power, only about a tenth of the current flows at 230 V. The voltage drop is therefore much smaller.
What happens with a cable that is too thin?
Too little voltage reaches the actuator. It runs slower, does not reach its force or stops.
Read more
Not sure which actuator fits? Call us at 040 50694631 (Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm) or use the actuator finder.
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Related terms: 24 V or 230 V · Chain actuator · Voltage drop · Current consumption
Datasheets and manuals · All terms in the glossary
