Calculate the temperature of a wire as an electrical current flows through it

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the temperature of a wire when an electrical current flows through it. The primary formula used is P = R * I², where P represents power, R is the wire's resistance, and I is the current. To accurately determine the temperature rise, one must also consider the thermal resistance between the wire and its surrounding medium, which varies based on wire gauge and insulation thickness. This thermal resistance is crucial for calculating the temperature increase from the dissipated power.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical resistance and current (Ohm's Law)
  • Knowledge of thermal resistance concepts
  • Familiarity with power dissipation in electrical components
  • Basic principles of heat transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Research thermal resistance values for different wire gauges and insulation types
  • Explore heat transfer equations relevant to electrical components
  • Learn about the impact of ambient temperature on wire heating
  • Investigate the use of thermal simulation software for wire temperature calculations
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, electronics hobbyists, and anyone involved in designing or analyzing electrical circuits and components that generate heat.

Mr.somebody
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Hey, so I'm just wondering what are the formulas needed to calculate the temperature of a wire after x amount of time as an electrical current is passed through it. I know how to solve for it... I just forgot the formulas.
Thanks
 
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Mr.somebody said:
Hey, so I'm just wondering what are the formulas needed to calculate the temperature of a wire after x amount of time as an electrical current is passed through it. I know how to solve for it... I just forgot the formulas.
Thanks
Start with the power being dissipated by the wire, P = R * I^2 where R is the resistance of the wire, and I is the current flowing.

Then things get more complicated. You need the "thermal resistance" from the wire to the surrounding air or other medium. This number is published in the datasheets of heat sinks and for integrated circuits mounted on PC boards, but I don't know offhand where you can find the numbers for wire. It will depend on the wire gauge and insulation thickness mainly. The thermal resistance is in units of degrees C per Watt, so once you have that thermal resistance number, calculating the temperature rise from the power is straightforward...
 

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