AS/NZS FAQ

Common AS/NZS Cable Sizing Questions From First-Time Users

The recurring questions from anyone opening the AS/NZS calculator for the first time — answered directly.

The same handful of questions come up repeatedly the first time someone uses the AS/NZS calculator. Here are direct answers.

"Is this the same as PEC, just with different unit labels?"

No — the underlying reference tables (ampacity, grouping, voltage drop resistance) are independently derived datasets. See the dedicated code comparison article for the full picture.

"Which part of AS/NZS 3008 does this use — 1.1 or 1.2?"

Part 1.1, covering Australian conditions. If your project is governed by New Zealand conditions (Part 1.2), treat this calculator's results as a reference point, not a direct substitute.

"Why does the calculator ask for installation method?"

Because base ampacity varies significantly by installation method (conduit, tray, free air, buried) — skipping this input or guessing produces an inaccurate result even with everything else correct.

"Do I need to separately check RCD requirements?"

Yes — RCD protection is a separate safety requirement from cable sizing, covered in its own dedicated article, not something this calculator determines.

Try the AS/NZS Cable Sizing calculator with your own project's numbers.

Engr. Jason Morales — Founder, SolarEnergyPH & OhmWorks

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