Wire Load Capacity Chart in Pakistan: Amps and Watts for Every Wire Size

Wire load capacity chart in amps and watts for every wire size in Pakistan - Thrive Cables

“Is wire par kitna load chal sakta hai?” is the question every electrician and homeowner asks before buying wire. The answer depends on the wire size, how it is installed and what it is feeding. This page puts everything in one place: a load capacity chart in amps and watts for every common wire size in Pakistan, the simple formula behind it, and the rules that keep the chart safe in real homes.

Wire Load Capacity Chart (Single Phase, 230 V)

The figures below are for single core PVC insulated copper wire installed in conduit, which is how most houses in Pakistan are wired. “Practical load” is worked out from the breaker normally used with that size, because the breaker is what protects the wire.

Wire size Approx. capacity in conduit Typical breaker Practical load at 230 V Typical use
1 mm² 11 to 13 A 6 to 10 A Up to about 2,300 W Lights, fans
3/29 13 to 15 A 10 A About 2,300 W Lights, fans
2.5 mm² 20 to 24 A 16 to 20 A About 3,700 to 4,600 W Sockets
7/29 22 to 27 A 16 to 20 A About 3,700 to 4,600 W Sockets, kitchen
7/36 (4 mm²) 30 to 32 A 20 to 25 A About 4,600 to 5,750 W AC, geyser, oven
7/44 (6 mm²) 40 to 46 A 32 to 40 A About 7,400 to 9,200 W Sub-main, small main line
7/52 (10 mm²) 50 to 57 A 40 to 50 A About 9,200 to 11,500 W Main line, medium house
7/64 (16 mm²) 65 to 75 A Up to 63 A About 14,500 W Main line, large house

These are guide figures for pure copper wire of genuine size. Your electrician should confirm the wire and breaker for your exact installation.

The Simple Formula: Watts, Amps and Volts

You only need one formula to use the chart:

Watts = Volts × Amps, so Amps = Watts ÷ 230 on a normal Pakistani home supply.

  • A 2,000 W iron: 2,000 ÷ 230 = about 8.7 A
  • A 1.5 ton AC drawing about 1,800 W: about 7.8 A while running
  • A 3,000 W geyser: about 13 A

Add up everything that can run at the same time on one circuit, convert to amps, and make sure it stays well below the breaker rating for that wire.

Load Capacity in Watts: Common Questions

3/29 wire load capacity in watts

3/29 is a lighting wire with about 1.3 mm² of copper. On a 10 A breaker it can feed up to about 2,300 W, which is far more than LED lights and fans need. Do not use it for sockets. See 3/29 wire for lighting circuits.

7/29 wire load capacity in watts

7/29 has about 3 mm² of copper. On a 16 A to 20 A breaker it carries about 3,700 to 4,600 W, enough for a socket circuit with a fridge, washing machine, iron and microwave. See 7/29 wire load capacity.

7/36 wire load capacity in watts

7/36 (4 mm²) carries about 4,600 to 5,750 W on a 20 A to 25 A breaker, which is why it is the standard line for one AC, geyser or oven. See 4 mm² wire appliances guide.

4 Rules That Keep the Chart Safe

1. Do not run a wire at its limit for hours

ACs, geysers and heaters run for long periods. Keep their continuous load comfortably below the breaker rating, roughly 80% or less.

2. Hot roofs and crowded conduits reduce capacity

In a Pakistani summer, wires in roof slabs and conduits packed with many circuits get hot and can carry less current. When in doubt, go one size up.

3. Long runs need a bigger wire

Over long distances the voltage drops. Lights dim and AC compressors struggle. For runs longer than about 20 to 25 metres on heavy loads, choose the next size.

4. Motors start with a surge

Non-inverter ACs, pumps and motors draw several times their running current for a moment when starting. Their lines need a margin above the running load.

The Chart Only Works With Genuine Wire

A wire sold as 7/29 but made with 6 strands, thinner strands or impure copper will carry less than the chart says and run hotter. Check strands and copper before buying. Read how to identify fake or low-quality electric wire and imperial vs metric wire sizes.

Thrive Cables makes every size in this chart in Lahore with 99.9% pure copper, full-thickness strands and fire-retardant PVC insulation. Order at factory price on WhatsApp at +92 324 6570645.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate the load capacity of a wire?

Find the breaker used with that wire, then multiply its amps by 230. For example, a 20 A breaker on 7/29 allows about 4,600 W.

Can I use a bigger breaker to get more load from a wire?

No. The breaker protects the wire. A bigger breaker lets the wire overheat before it trips. See MCB vs RCCB and breaker sizes.

Is the chart different for three-phase?

Yes. On three-phase, each phase carries its own current, so a balanced load can be much higher in total. Ask your electrician to size three-phase lines.

Conclusion

Use the chart to match each wire to its job: 1 mm² or 3/29 for lights, 2.5 mm² or 7/29 for sockets, 7/36 for each heavy appliance, and 7/44, 7/52 or 7/64 for sub-mains and main lines. Convert appliance watts to amps with watts ÷ 230, leave a safety margin, go a size up for hot or long runs, and always use genuine pure copper wire.

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