What is the minimum wire size required for a cable carrying a continuous current of 20-amperes over 10 feet in a 28-volt system?

For a 28-volt system carrying a continuous current of 20 amperes, wire size is essential to ensure safe operation and minimal voltage drop. According to the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard, the minimum wire size can be determined based on the expected ampacity for a particular length of run and the continuous current being carried.

In this scenario, for a continuous load of 20 amperes, it is generally recommended to use a wire size that can handle this current without overheating. The 20-ampere load suggests that a larger gauge wire should be used to ensure that it can handle the electrical load safely over the 10-foot length.

No. 16 wire would typically be rated for a maximum of 10-13 amperes depending on insulation type and usage, which means it is insufficient for a continuous load of 20 amperes. The appropriate wire size would actually be No. 12, which supports 20 amperes reliably. Therefore, when considering safety and performance in this 28-volt system, a No. 12 wire is required to handle the load without risk of overheating or voltage drop over the cable length.

Thus, while the choice made was No. 16, the minimum required size