Updated 2 October 2026
3/29 calculates to about 1.28 mm², 7/29 to 2.98 mm² and 7/44 to 6.87 mm² when the strand diameters are 0.029, 0.029 and 0.044 inch respectively.
These are calculated metal areas, not guaranteed nominal cable sizes or current ratings. A code identifies a strand count and diameter; confirm the material, marked size and specification before choosing cable. The table below also covers 7/36, 7/52 and 7/64.
In a construction written 7/.029 inch, the first number counts strands and .029 is the diameter of each strand in inches. The shorter trade wording 7/29 drops the decimal. Confirm that convention on the actual label before using this chart; it is not a fraction or an SWG gauge.
For 7/.029: diameter = 0.029 × 25.4 = 0.7366 mm. Area = 7 × π × 0.7366² ÷ 4 = 2.983 mm², rounded to 2.98 mm². Use the full diameter in the calculation; rounding it first changes the result.
The Unicore manufacturer catalogue (inch notation) independently shows this notation. It is a reference for reading inch codes, not evidence of Pilone product construction. Calculating metal area does not establish conductor resistance, insulation performance or current capacity.
Read the code and unit together. The links below lead to the existing product entries so you can identify the cable you want quoted.
| Code / product | Stated build | Strand diameter | Calculated area | Nominal size | Before ordering |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/29 | 3 × 0.029 in | 0.7366 mm | 1.28 mm² | Confirm the marked nominal mm² | Confirm material and construction |
| 7/29 | 7 × 0.029 in | 0.7366 mm | 2.98 mm² | Confirm the marked nominal mm² | Confirm material and construction |
| 7/36 | 7 × 0.036 in | 0.9144 mm | 4.60 mm² | Confirm the marked nominal mm² | Confirm material and construction |
| 7/44 | 7 × 0.044 in | 1.1176 mm | 6.87 mm² | Confirm the marked nominal mm² | Confirm material and construction |
| 7/52 | 7 × 0.052 in | 1.3208 mm | 9.59 mm² | Confirm the marked nominal mm² | Confirm material and construction |
| 7/64 | 7 × 0.064 in | 1.6256 mm | 14.53 mm² | Confirm the marked nominal mm² | Confirm material and construction |
For installation sizing, consult the current-capacity chart with its stated conditions and have the result checked for your cable. SWG uses a different system; see the wire size chart.
A nominal mm² marking is a declared size in a product specification. The sum of strand areas is a geometric calculation. A shop name may use another convention. These three descriptions must not be treated as an automatic conversion or proof that a cable meets a standard.
For example, a listing may pair 7/29 with a metric sales label. That does not establish that every cable sold under either name has the same construction or resistance. Ask for the marked nominal size, material, conductor class and applicable test information in writing.
Seven strands at .052 inch calculate to 9.59 mm²; seven at .064 inch calculate to 14.53 mm². Those codes alone do not identify copper versus aluminium, an approved utility cable, or a permissible current.
WAPDA cable is a trade description used for service-cable enquiries. Confirm the service requirements with the relevant utility and electrician, and identify the required core count separately.
| Code | Calculated strand area | Nominal label | Service selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/.052 inch | 9.59 mm² | Read the product marking | Check metal, cores and utility requirements |
| 7/.064 inch | 14.53 mm² | Read the product marking | Check metal, cores and utility requirements |
Existing catalogue entries include 7/52 two-core aluminium and 7/64 two-core aluminium, plus their 7/52 four-core and 7/64 four-core counterparts. Confirm the supplied specification before ordering.
Send the code exactly as printed, the material if known, core count, metres and delivery city. Confirm the nominal specification and available lengths with the quotation.