Measuring cross-sectional area of a cable

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the measurement of the cross-sectional area of a circular cable, specifically addressing discrepancies between calculated values and labeled specifications. Participants explore the implications of different interpretations of the cable's structure and dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the cross-sectional area using the diameter measured with a vernier caliper, resulting in a value of 298.49 mm², but notes a discrepancy with the tag on the cable indicating an area of 10 mm².
  • Another participant suggests that the 10 mm² might refer to the cross-section of each individual copper conductor within the cable.
  • A third participant questions whether the cable is multi-stranded, proposing that each strand could have a cross-sectional area (CSA) of 10 mm².
  • A later reply clarifies that the cable in question is a 5-core cable and seeks confirmation on the correctness of the cross-sectional area calculation, also asking for the diameter of a cable with a CSA of 6 mm².

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct interpretation of the measurements and specifications. Multiple competing views regarding the structure of the cable and the meaning of the area measurement remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the cable's construction, the definitions of cross-sectional area, and the potential for typographical errors in the labeling.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electrical engineering, materials science, or practical applications of measuring cable dimensions may find this discussion relevant.

SPEEDTRONIC
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
How do we measure cross-sectional area of a cable (obviously circular)?
For example, diameter of a cable as measured from vernier caliper was 19.5 mm. If we apply A = pi(3.14) r2, answer is 298.49 mm square but tag on said cable is showing Area = 10mm square?
Please explain.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No idea. Maybe this was the cross-section of each copper conductor in the cable ?
Or a typo ?
 
Is it a multi-strand cable, i.e. each strand has a CSA of 10 mm²?
 
Its a 5-core cable actually. Please let me know whether I am calculating cross-sectional area of cable correctly? You can help me by telling that what will be diameter of a 6 square mm cable?
Thanx
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
12K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
Replies
1
Views
2K