How do I calculate the properties of my piece wires without any labels?

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    Temperature Wires
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to determine the properties of unlabeled wire samples, specifically focusing on identifying the type of metal, measuring dimensions, and calculating maximum voltage, current, and temperature. Participants explore various methods for measurement and the implications of wire characteristics in practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about measuring the maximum voltage, current, and temperature of unlabeled wire samples, emphasizing the need for information on wire type and dimensions.
  • Another participant suggests measuring the diameter of the wire using calipers or micrometers and refers to American Wire Gauge (AWG) charts for further information.
  • Some participants note that the wire's current-carrying capability is related to its diameter and material, but specific resistance values depend on the wire's history and condition.
  • Methods for estimating wire diameter by winding it around a cylinder are proposed, along with descriptions of common wire materials like copper, iron, and aluminum.
  • There are repeated requests for clarification on the application of the wire and the context of the inquiry, indicating that this information is crucial for providing accurate assistance.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the wire's material based solely on color and physical characteristics, with suggestions to use magnets for identification.
  • Some participants challenge the original poster for not providing sufficient context or effort in their inquiry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that identifying the wire's material and measuring its diameter are essential steps in determining its properties. However, there is no consensus on the specific methods or the importance of additional context regarding the wire's application.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific information about the wire's application, the absence of labels, and the potential variability in wire properties based on its condition and history.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking to understand wire properties in practical applications, particularly in electrical engineering or DIY projects involving unknown wire samples.

puteh30
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hye... i new user (forumer)... help me...

1) i have 3- 4 piece wire (copper/ iron)... i don't know AWG for piece wire... no label... the length of wire is 1 foot... how to know / measure / calculate the maximum voltage, maximum current, maximum temperature, thickness, type of metal for piece wire.



2) temperature relation / propotional - voltage
- current
-conductivity
-resistivity

*formula / definition
 
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current capability of a wire is primarily proportional to its diameter (thickness) ( and somewhat to the type of wire... copper, aluminium etc) you need to find out what you wire is what its made of, what its size is AWG etc.
its resistance is also dependent on what its is ... copper etc and thickness
known cables will have data sheets that will state that info along with its resistance in Ohms / metre(foot) km(mile) etc

we can't help you without that information

cheers
Dave
 
Last edited:
If you have a pair of calipers (or better yet, micrometers), measure the diameter of a STRIPPED portion, and then read it off the chart (this will be a little problematic if the wire is stranded, but not impossibly so):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge

Note that the information is rule of thumb ONLY. Temperature rating, maximum voltage, and resistance will depend on the insulation used (if any) and the history of the piece (i.e. if it's severely kinked or cut-up in certain areas, the resistance will increase).

For something where this really matters, get some new pieces of wire. They're pennies per feet.

EDIT: and pursuant to my point about the 'history' of the piece, this will affect its current-carrying capability.
 
One way to measure the diameter of a wire is to wind the wire around a cylinder (like an AA battery) so that the turns are right up close to each other.
Then measure one inch or one centimeter along the coil and count how many turns of wire are in that distance. From this, it is easy to work out the diameter of the wire.

The most common wire is probably copper. This has an orange-red colour and bends easy.

Iron wire is attracted to a magnet and it is harder to bend than copper.

Aluminum wire is silvery-white when cut but it turns to s smoky white as it oxodises.

Another type you may come across is Nichrome wire. This is very springy and will not wind into a coil easily. It has a very high resistivity and so quite a short piece of this wire has a lot more resistance than a similar piece of copper wire.

Here is a list of resistivities which will give you a comparison between different materials as conductors.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistivity

Also see the wire table given above in a previous post.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge
 
Last edited:
davenn said:
current capability of a wire is primarily proportional to its diameter (thickness) ( and somewhat to the type of wire... copper, aluminium etc) you need to find out what you wire is what its made of, what its size is AWG etc.
its resistance is also dependent on what its is ... copper etc and thickness
known cables will have data sheets that will state that info along with its resistance in Ohms / metre(foot) km(mile) etc

we can't help you without that information

cheers
Dave


how do know the size of AWG? wire made (material) ?
 
MATLABdude said:
If you have a pair of calipers (or better yet, micrometers), measure the diameter of a STRIPPED portion, and then read it off the chart (this will be a little problematic if the wire is stranded, but not impossibly so):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge

Note that the information is rule of thumb ONLY. Temperature rating, maximum voltage, and resistance will depend on the insulation used (if any) and the history of the piece (i.e. if it's severely kinked or cut-up in certain areas, the resistance will increase).

For something where this really matters, get some new pieces of wire. They're pennies per feet.

EDIT: and pursuant to my point about the 'history' of the piece, this will affect its current-carrying capability.

current-carrying capability means ?
 
puteh30 said:
wire above? iron or aluminum?

magnet?
 
  • #10
puteh30 said:
current-carrying capability means ?

amps
 
  • #11
puteh30 said:
wire above? iron or aluminum?

yellow=copper
black = ?
 
  • #12
NascentOxygen said:
yellow=copper
black = ?

= charred?
 
  • #13
Wires : Resistivity and Conductivity with Temperature

hye... i new user (forumer)... help me...

1) i have 3- 4 piece wire (i don't no type of metal piece wire)... i don't know AWG for piece wire... no label... the length of wire is 1 foot... how to know / measure / calculate the maximum voltage, maximum current, maximum temperature, thickness...
2) temperature relation / propotional with

- voltage
- current
-conductivity
-resistivity*pls give formula / definition...http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7638/dscn5043x.th.jpg
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2913/dscn5051f.th.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #14


help me...
 
  • #15


puteh30 said:
hye... i new user (forumer)... help me...

1) i have 3- 4 piece wire (i don't no type of metal piece wire)... i don't know AWG for piece wire... no label... the length of wire is 1 foot... how to know / measure / calculate the maximum voltage, maximum current, maximum temperature, thickness...



2) temperature relation / propotional with

- voltage
- current
-conductivity
-resistivity


*pls give formula / definition...


http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7638/dscn5043x.th.jpg
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2913/dscn5051f.th.jpg

Welcome to the PF. What is the context of your question? You are trying to figure out the maximum ratings for these wires, given only 1 foot samples? What other information do you have? What is the application for the wire?

You use standard wire tables and/or the manufacturer's datasheet to figure those things out.

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #16


berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. What is the context of your question? You are trying to figure out the maximum ratings for these wires, given only 1 foot samples? What other information do you have? What is the application for the wire?

You use standard wire tables and/or the manufacturer's datasheet to figure those things out.

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

.


What other information need i have? What is the application for the wire? pls help me
 
  • #17


puteh30 said:
What is the application for the wire?
No one knows. We need you to tell us about it. :smile:

Did you salvage it from a space vehicle?
 
  • #18


puteh30 said:
What other information need i have? What is the application for the wire? pls help me

I will be patient with you for now.

Do you have calipers? Do you know how to use them? Calipers will tell you the diameter of the wire.

What color are the conductors? That will tell you much about the metal used for the wire.

Why are you given only 1 foot samples of the wire? Is this for schoolwork as quiz?

Are there any markings on the insulator portions of the wire samples? If so, what did your Google searches reveal about the wire specifications?

Do not play games with us. We are happy to help if your request is valid.
 
  • #19
Two threads merged and warning issued to the OP for zero effort.
 

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