Check cable runs

A distro that "has room" still trips when the cable to it is too thin or too long. PowerSense checks each run twice: against a conservative current rating for its cross-section, and for voltage drop over its length.

Add and configure a run

1. In Cable runs, press + Add run. Each list starts with one run called Feed.
2. Give it a Label (for example Feed → stage-left distro).
3. Current (A) defaults to auto: worst phase — the highest phase current of this list, after the safety margin. Switch to manual to type a value for a sub-run that carries only part of the load.
4. Enter the Length — metres in Europe mode, feet in North America mode.
5. Choose the Cross-section (mm²) or AWG gauge.
6. Set System to 1-phase or 3-phase to match the cable.

Read the verdicts

The rating tables the verdicts use are shown under the check — the same numbers, nothing hidden. In Europe mode they run from 1.5 mm² (16 A) to 35 mm² (100 A); in North America mode from AWG 14 (15 A) to AWG 2 (95 A). They are guideline values for flexible rubber cable (H07RN-F / SOOW) in free air.

How the drop is calculated

The help dialog states the formulas the tool uses:

• Single-phase: ΔU = 2 · ρ · L · I ÷ A
• Three-phase: ΔU = √3 · ρ · L · I ÷ A
• ρ = 0.0175 Ω·mm²/m (copper)

Warn above 3 %, fail above 5 % of the system voltage.

The feeder rule of thumb

Under the runs, a hint reads Feed rule of thumb: X A per phase → min Y. It is derived from the same table, so the hint can never recommend a gauge the cable check would call undersized. Above the preset range it reads Feed above the preset range — have the electrician engineer the feeder. That is not a limitation to work around; it is the point where a professional designs the feeder.