Voltage Drop for 16 AWG, 5 m, 5 A
Calculate the voltage drop on a short 16 AWG, 5-meter wire carrying 5 amperes — common in automotive and lighting circuits.
How to use this tool
- Enter wire gauge (awg), one-way wire length and current in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your voltage drop and the full breakdown beneath it.
16 AWG wire at 5 meters and 5 A is a typical wiring scenario for automotive accessories and LED lighting runs.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the maximum recommended voltage drop?
- The NEC recommends no more than 3% voltage drop on a branch circuit and no more than 5% combined (feeder + branch). Above 3% you may notice dimmer lights or reduced motor torque.
- Does the return conductor also contribute?
- Yes — current flows through both the hot and neutral (or ground-return) conductors, so the effective resistance is twice the one-way value.