Since 1876, PASEK has earned a reputation for expertise in mechanical locking hardware and key systems.

Determining Wire Gauge Requirements Based on Distance.

When installing electronic access control systems, it is necessary to determine the correct gauge of wire to prevent voltage drop off over long wire runs. These charts show approximate distance/wire gauge recommendations based on voltage/amperage requirements. You need to determine the total amperage required by the equipment you are using before determining wire size. The vertical column on the left of the charts indicates the amperage. Follow the line which matches your amperage requirement to the maximum distance your wire will run and then go up to the recommended wire size.

12V AC/DC
AMPS 20AWG 18AWG 16AWG 14AWG 12AWG 10AWG
.250 300′ 450′ 750′ 1200′ 2000′ 3000′
.500 150′ 225′ 375′ 600′ 1000′ 1500′
.750 100′ 150′ 250′ 375′ 600′ 1000′
1.00 75′ 100′ 200′ 300′ 500′ 800′
1.25 60′ 90′ 150′ 240′ 380′ 600′
1.50 50′ 80′ 125′ 200′ 300′ 500′
1.75 40′ 70′ 100′ 170′ 275′ 460′
2.00 35′ 60′ 90′ 150′ 240′ 400′
2.25 – 50′ 80′ 130′ 200′ 350′
2.50 – – 75′ 120′ 190′ 300′
2.75 – – 70′ 100′ 170′ 280′
3.00 – – 60′ 100′ 160′ 260′
24V AC/DC
AMPS 20AWG 18AWG 16AWG 14AWG 12AWG 10AWG
.250 600′ 900′ 1500′ 2400′ 4000′ 6000′
.500 300′ 450′ 750′ 1200′ 2000′ 3000′
.750 200′ 300′ 500′ 750′ 1200′ 2000′
1.00 150′ 200′ 400′ 600′ 1000′ 1600′
1.25 120′ 180′ 300′ 480′ 760′ 1200′
1.50 100′ 160′ 250′ 400′ 600′ 1000′
1.75 80′ 140′ 200′ 340′ 550′ 920′
2.00 70′ 120′ 180′ 300′ 480′ 800′
2.25 – 100′ 160′ 260′ 400′ 700′
2.50 – – 150′ 240′ 380′ 600′
2.75 – – 140′ 200′ 340′ 560′
3.00 – – 120′ 200′ 320′ 520′