You have a 16-amp continuous load.
Electrical conductors have impedance. As current flows, a voltage is dropped along the length of the cable. If the voltage drop is excessive, the equipment at the end of the line will receive insufficient voltage to operate correctly. cable size
In the era of energy efficiency, the "minimum size" approach is becoming obsolete. Engineers are increasingly selecting cables based on Life Cycle Cost Analysis, favoring larger conductors to reduce $I^2R$ losses over the asset's lifespan. Furthermore, the rise of Power Electronics necessitates a re-evaluation of standard sizing tables to account for harmonic heating and skin effects. You have a 16-amp continuous load
Alex nodded. "Makes sense. I've seen those machines drawing a lot of power. What size are you thinking?" If the voltage drop is excessive, the equipment
There are four primary pillars that dictate the minimum allowable cross-sectional area of a cable. The final selected size must satisfy all four conditions simultaneously.