The Basics of Electrical Cables According to Loads

Gabriel Mikael
9 hours ago
2 min read

Don’t risk it — know your wires.When building or renovating your home, understanding electrical cable sizing and load capacity is crucial to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with electrical codes.

Let’s break it down into three important levels:Basic Load • Tolerance Maximum • Overload

🔌 1. Basic Load Capacity (Normal Use)

This is the standard current a cable can carry safely 24/7 without overheating.

For example:

2.0 mm² copper wire (commonly used for lighting) can handle up to 15–18 amps under normal use
3.5 mm² wire (used for outlets and appliances) supports up to 25–30 amps

💡 Always match wire size to the type of appliance or device it powers.

⚠️ 2. Tolerance Maximum (Temporary Load Spike)

Cables can handle a bit more current than their rated load — but only for short periods.

Think of this as a “safe push”:

That 2.0 mm² wire may briefly handle 20–22 amps, but not for long
Prolonged use above the basic load leads to heat buildup, damaging insulation and increasing fire risk

🔍 Use this only during short usage surges — like when multiple devices start up at once.

🔥 3. Overload (Danger Zone!)

This happens when the wire carries current way beyond its rating — either by poor design or faulty circuits.

❌ Leads to:

🔥 Overheating
⚡ Circuit breaker tripping
🔌 Short circuits or fire hazards

Example: Using a 2.0 mm² wire for a water heater drawing 25+ amps = 🔥⚠️ disaster waiting to happen.

🛠️ So, What Should You Do?

✅ Always consult a licensed electrician when choosing cable sizes

✅ Use dedicated lines for high-load appliances (AC, ovens, heaters)

✅ Invest in quality wires and proper circuit breakers

✅ Follow the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) standards

⚡ Build Smart, Stay Safe

📩 Need help evaluating your home’s electrical system during renovation or construction?Message us today for an electrical checklist or to connect with a trusted pro in your area.

#ElectricalSafetyPH #SmartWiring #HomeConstructionTips #PinoyBuilderGuide #SafeWiringMatters #WallProHomes #HomeImprovementPH

The Basics of Electrical Cables According to Loads