Estimate the load
Operating current is calculated from power, voltage and the power factor cosφ.
Engineering tools
Electrical calculation for conductor selection
Estimate operating current, economic cross-section and overhead line voltage drop using the load parameters and your selected conductor.
Overhead lines6–500 kV50 conductor types
What this calculator helps you do
Estimate overhead line electrical parameters during project preparation. Enter the load, voltage, length and conductor type to compare alternatives.
Compare conductors
Change the conductor type to compare cross-section, allowable current and resistance.
Check voltage drop
The calculation considers line length, conductor resistance and phase spacing.
About the calculation
What inputs do I need?
Rated voltage, power consumption, power factor, annual maximum-load hours, line length and conductor type. Adjust phase spacing in the additional parameters.
Does the calculator select a conductor automatically?
No. You choose a conductor from the reference list. The calculator shows its characteristics and the calculated line parameters. Change the conductor and calculate again to compare options.
How are load hours used?
The source table uses an economic current density of 1.3 A/mm² for 1–3,000 hours, 1.1 A/mm² for 3,001–5,000 hours and 1.0 A/mm² for 5,001–8,760 hours per year.
Can I use this for a cable line?
This tool is intended for overhead lines and uses AC and SIP-3 conductor reference data. Cable lines require cable characteristics and installation conditions.
Is the result enough for final selection?
No. The calculator does not verify all project conditions, including mechanical strength, climatic loads, short circuits and permissible voltage drop requirements. These checks are carried out by the designer.