Quick reference tables for transformer full load current at all standard voltages, plus formulas and wire sizing
recommendations
Full Load Amps Formulas
Single-Phase:FLA = (kVA × 1000) ÷ Voltage | Three-Phase:FLA = (kVA × 1000) ÷ (V × 1.732) |
The full load amps (FLA) of a transformer is the maximum current the transformer can deliver at its
rated kVA and voltage without exceeding its thermal limits. This chart provides quick reference values for sizing
conductors, overcurrent protection, and system design.
Table of Contents
- Single-Phase Transformer FLA Chart
- Three-Phase Transformer FLA Chart
- Wire Sizing Guide
- Calculation Examples
- FAQ
Single-Phase Transformer Full Load Amps Chart
Full load current for single-phase transformers at standard voltages:
| kVA | 120V | 208V | 240V | 277V | 480V | 600V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 25.0 | 14.4 | 12.5 | 10.8 | 6.2 | 5.0 |
| 5 | 41.7 | 24.0 | 20.8 | 18.1 | 10.4 | 8.3 |
| 7.5 | 62.5 | 36.1 | 31.2 | 27.1 | 15.6 | 12.5 |
| 10 | 83.3 | 48.1 | 41.7 | 36.1 | 20.8 | 16.7 |
| 15 | 125.0 | 72.1 | 62.5 | 54.2 | 31.2 | 25.0 |
| 25 | 208.3 | 120.2 | 104.2 | 90.3 | 52.1 | 41.7 |
| 37.5 | 312.5 | 180.3 | 156.2 | 135.4 | 78.1 | 62.5 |
| 50 | 416.7 | 240.4 | 208.3 | 180.5 | 104.2 | 83.3 |
| 75 | 625.0 | 360.6 | 312.5 | 270.8 | 156.2 | 125.0 |
| 100 | 833.3 | 480.8 | 416.7 | 361.0 | 208.3 | 166.7 |
| 167 | 1391.7 | 803.0 | 695.8 | 602.9 | 347.9 | 278.3 |
| 250 | 2083.3 | 1201.9 | 1041.7 | 902.5 | 520.8 | 416.7 |
| 333 | 2775.0 | 1600.9 | 1387.5 | 1202.2 | 693.8 | 555.0 |
| 500 | 4166.7 | 2403.8 | 2083.3 | 1805.1 | 1041.7 | 833.3 |
of each size, see our Transformer
Sizing Chart.
Three-Phase Transformer Full Load Amps Chart
Full load current for three-phase transformers at standard voltages:
| kVA | 208V | 240V | 380V | 480V | 600V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 25.0 | 21.6 | 13.7 | 10.8 | 8.7 |
| 15 | 41.6 | 36.1 | 22.8 | 18.0 | 14.4 |
| 30 | 83.3 | 72.2 | 45.6 | 36.1 | 28.9 |
| 45 | 124.9 | 108.3 | 68.4 | 54.1 | 43.3 |
| 75 | 208.2 | 180.4 | 114.0 | 90.2 | 72.2 |
| 112.5 | 312.3 | 270.6 | 171.0 | 135.3 | 108.2 |
| 150 | 416.4 | 360.8 | 228.0 | 180.4 | 144.3 |
| 225 | 624.6 | 541.3 | 342.0 | 270.6 | 216.5 |
| 300 | 832.8 | 721.7 | 456.0 | 360.8 | 288.7 |
| 500 | 1388.0 | 1202.8 | 760.0 | 601.4 | 481.1 |
| 750 | 2082.0 | 1804.2 | 1140.0 | 902.1 | 721.7 |
| 1000 | 2776.0 | 2405.6 | 1520.0 | 1202.8 | 962.3 |
| 1500 | 4164.0 | 3608.4 | 2280.0 | 1804.2 | 1443.4 |
| 2000 | 5552.0 | 4811.3 | 3040.0 | 2405.6 | 1924.5 |
| 2500 | 6940.0 | 6014.1 | 3800.0 | 3007.0 | 2405.6 |
FLA = (kVA × 1000) ÷ (Voltage × 1.732)where 1.732 = √3 (the square root of 3 for three-phase calculations)
Wire Sizing Guide Based on FLA
Recommended minimum wire sizes based on full load amps (copper conductors, 75°C rating per NEC):
| Full Load Amps | Minimum Wire Size (AWG/MCM) | Recommended Conduit Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 A | #14 AWG | 1/2″ |
| 16-20 A | #12 AWG | 1/2″ |
| 21-30 A | #10 AWG | 1/2″ |
| 31-40 A | #8 AWG | 3/4″ |
| 41-55 A | #6 AWG | 3/4″ |
| 56-70 A | #4 AWG | 1″ |
| 71-85 A | #3 AWG | 1″ |
| 86-100 A | #2 AWG | 1-1/4″ |
| 101-115 A | #1 AWG | 1-1/4″ |
| 116-130 A | 1/0 AWG | 1-1/2″ |
| 131-150 A | 2/0 AWG | 1-1/2″ |
| 151-175 A | 3/0 AWG | 2″ |
| 176-200 A | 4/0 AWG | 2″ |
| 201-230 A | 250 MCM | 2-1/2″ |
| 231-255 A | 300 MCM | 2-1/2″ |
| 256-285 A | 350 MCM | 3″ |
| 286-310 A | 400 MCM | 3″ |
| 311-380 A | 500 MCM | 3-1/2″ |
Calculation Examples
Example 1: Single-Phase 25 kVA at 480V
Given: 25 kVA single-phase transformer, 480V secondary
Formula: FLA = (kVA × 1000) ÷ Voltage
Calculation: FLA = (25 × 1000) ÷ 480 = 52.1 amps
Wire Size: #6 AWG (rated for 55A)
Example 2: Three-Phase 500 kVA at 480V
Given: 500 kVA three-phase transformer, 480V secondary
Formula: FLA = (kVA × 1000) ÷ (Voltage × 1.732)
Calculation: FLA = (500 × 1000) ÷ (480 × 1.732) = 601.4 amps
Wire Size: Parallel 350 MCM or 500 MCM conductors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is full load amps (FLA) on a transformer?
Full load amps is the maximum current the transformer can continuously deliver at its rated kVA and voltage without
overheating. It’s used for sizing conductors and overcurrent protection.
Why do three-phase transformers have lower FLA than single-phase at the same kVA?
Three-phase power is distributed across three conductors, so each conductor carries less current. The formula
includes the √3 factor to account for this distribution.
How do I calculate FLA for a voltage not shown in the chart?
Use the formulas:
Single-phase: FLA = (kVA × 1000) ÷ Voltage
Three-phase: FLA = (kVA × 1000) ÷ (Voltage × 1.732)
What overcurrent protection should I use?
Per NEC 450.3, transformer primary overcurrent protection should be 125% of rated primary current for transformers 9
kVA and larger. Consult local codes for specific requirements.
Related Resources
- Transformer Sizing Chart: Complete
Guide - 25 kVA
Transformer Specifications - 500
kVA Transformer Specifications - Three
Phase Transformer Guide
Disclaimer: Values calculated using standard electrical formulas. Wire sizing based on NEC Table 310.16 for 75°C
copper conductors. Always consult a licensed electrician and verify with local codes. Last updated: January
2026