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VFD Cable & Conduit Sizing

Output Cable Ampacity · Carrier & Length Derating · NEC 430

When to use: Use this when sizing the output power conductors and conduit between a variable-frequency drive and its motor. Per NEC 430.122, VFD output conductors must be rated at 125% of the drive's rated input current. The required ampacity is further adjusted for high carrier (switching) frequency, long cable runs, and elevated ambient temperature, then matched to the smallest THHN conductor that meets it. Always use VFD-rated symmetrical shielded cable for EMC.

Motor & Drive
A
kHz
Cable & Environment
ft
°C
Recommended Conductor
#10
Copper THHN · 30.6 A required
Results
Motor FLA21.0 A
Design Current (×1.25)26.3 A
Carrier Derate×1.00
Length Derate×0.975
Ambient Correction×0.88
Required Ampacity30.6 A
Recommended Conductor#10
Conductor Ampacity35 A
Recommended Conduit (EMT, 3C+G)3/4"
Cable TypeUse VFD-rated shielded cable
Standards & References
NEC 430.122 — VFD conductors at 125% input
NEC 310.16 — Conductor ampacity (75 °C)
Use symmetrical shielded VFD cable for EMC
Long leads (>100 ft) may need dV/dt or load reactor