Calculating Cable Size | Engineers Guide

  • Thread starter Thread starter megatronic
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cable
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the methods for calculating cable sizes, including the necessary parameters for these calculations. Participants explore the conversion between AWG and seqmm cable sizes, as well as considerations for different types of wire and load characteristics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the method for calculating cable sizes and the parameters required for this calculation.
  • Another participant suggests that looking up values in a table is sufficient for determining cable sizes.
  • A different participant mentions a formula related to circular mils, indicating its relevance to AWG calculations.
  • It is noted that there are rules for determining wire gauge based on factors like voltage drop and power dissipation.
  • One participant highlights the differences in resistance and current capacity between solid and stranded wire, suggesting these differences, while small, are important.
  • A participant outlines key parameters needed for cable sizing, including load characteristics, voltage, and distance from the source to the load, along with code implications based on load location.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to calculating cable sizes, with some advocating for direct lookup methods while others emphasize the importance of understanding underlying principles and parameters. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective method for cable sizing.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that influence cable sizing, such as load type and location, but do not provide a comprehensive list of assumptions or limitations in their discussions.

megatronic
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Dear all engineers,

I would like to know the method of calculation the size of the cables, and what the perimeters needed to do this calculation.

also, I would like to know how to get the seqmm cable size if we have AWG cable size And vice versa.

thank you
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
That formula is only to calculate the AWG for a given diameter.
There are rules to calculate what wire gauge you need based on voltage drop, power dissipation etc - http://beta.circuitwizard.bluesea.com/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks all for your great reply
 
There are also differences for solid and stranded wire for resistance/current ability. Something to keep in mind. They are very small, but exist.
 
The parameters needed are the load to be served, (what is amperage, wattage, horsepower, etc...), what are the load characteristics, (is it a motor, resistive load, etc...), what is the voltage at which the load operates and what is the distance from the source to the load.

There are code implications for sizing for many types of loads, so it is also dependent on what and where the load is located, (in a lab, in a new building, etc...).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
54
Views
13K
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K