Measuring Temperature Of Electrical Wire

In summary, the conversation is about a College Physics Project on exponential decay/growth. The speaker is looking for a way to measure the temperature of a wire while putting a voltage through it. Suggestions are given for using an infrared thermometer or a thermocouple, and the importance of calibration is mentioned. The speaker also mentions that thermocouple meters should be calibrated with their thermocouple attached.
  • #1
StefanD
1
0
Hello,

I'm currently doing a College Physics Project for expotential decay / growth. I have an idea of the experiement I want to perform but I need to find a way of measuring the temperature of wire as I put a voltage through it. Is there a formula which may be useful or any techniques people have come across?

Thanks for the Help,

Stefan

P.S Please move if it is in the incorrect category.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hmmm...How about an infrared thermometer?
 
  • #3
Or a thermocouple and a drop of superglue ( cheaper but slower to react).
 
  • #4
Don't forget that you need to have your measuring devices calibrated. If you are purchasing a hand-held meter, you should ask for a certificate of calibration with data. There might be some "nonlinearity" that can be used for correcting the reading. Thermocouples meters really should be calibrated with their thermocouple attached.

Regards
 

1. How do you measure the temperature of electrical wire?

There are several ways to measure the temperature of electrical wire. One method is to use a non-contact infrared thermometer, which measures the temperature by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the wire. Another method is to use a contact thermometer, such as a thermocouple or thermistor, which directly measures the temperature of the wire by making physical contact with it.

2. Why is it important to measure the temperature of electrical wire?

Measuring the temperature of electrical wire is important because it can help prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. It can also provide information about the efficiency of the wire's electrical current and can be used to monitor the performance of the wire over time.

3. What factors can affect the temperature of electrical wire?

The temperature of electrical wire can be affected by several factors, including the amount of electrical current passing through it, the type of insulation surrounding the wire, the ambient temperature of the environment, and the length and thickness of the wire.

4. How often should the temperature of electrical wire be measured?

The frequency of measuring the temperature of electrical wire will depend on the specific application and usage of the wire. In general, it is recommended to regularly monitor the temperature of high-power or high-voltage wires to ensure they are not exceeding safe operating temperatures. For lower power wires, periodic measurements may be sufficient.

5. What are some potential risks of not measuring the temperature of electrical wire?

Not measuring the temperature of electrical wire can lead to potential hazards such as electrical fires, damage to equipment, and even personal injury. Overheating of wires can also cause them to degrade and fail over time, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Similar threads

Please help me calculate the wire temperature due to this current
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
22
Views
2K
Amplifier Circuit help, impedance matching
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
20
Views
639
Voltage detection in electrical cables
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
7
Views
1K
I How to understand experiment to measure heat capacity of solid?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
1
Views
602
Solving an Electrical Engineering Challenge with a Tank of Electrolyte Liquid
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
909
Voltage between two points on an empty wire and also across a resistor
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
12
Views
1K
I Calculation of temperature changes (heating a cube in a microwave oven)
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
9
Views
736
Voltage between two points on an empty wire
    • Electrical Engineering
2
Replies
35
Views
8K
B Measuring electric field vs magnetic field
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
849
Van der Pauw sample preparation errors
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top