2.5 mm² copper is rated about 27 A installed per Method C (clipped direct, 70 °C thermoplastic) and drops 18.0 mV/A/m (single-phase figure, matching BS 7671 Appendix 4 within rounding). The chart shows how far it runs before the drop exceeds the limits.
| Load | 230 V @ 3% | 230 V @ 5% | 400 V 3Ø @ 5% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 A | 64 m | 106 m | 214 m |
| 10 A | 38 m | 64 m | 128 m |
| 16 A | 24 m | 40 m | 80 m |
| 20 A | 19 m | 32 m | 64 m |
Computed with ρ ≈ 0.0225 Ω·mm²/m (copper at operating temperature), matching BS 7671 Appendix 4 mV/A/m values within rounding. Grouping, insulation type and installation method change the amp rating — treat 27 A as the Method C reference figure.
The nearest equal-or-larger AWG size is 12 AWG — see the gauge converter for exact areas.
About 27 A for copper clipped direct (Method C). Enclosed in conduit in insulation it derates substantially — always check the installation method column in BS 7671 Appendix 4.