Wire Gauges: Explaining Sizes & Electric Current Capacity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around wire gauges, specifically their definitions, implications for electric current capacity, and practical applications in wiring for electrical devices. Participants seek to clarify the relationship between wire size and current handling, as well as specific recommendations for powering devices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a detailed explanation of wire gauges, noting their role in measuring wire size and current capacity.
  • Another participant explains that gauge measures wire diameter, indicating that smaller gauge numbers correspond to larger diameters, which can carry more current safely.
  • A question is raised about the meanings of "Maximum amps for chassis wiring" and "Maximum amps for power transmission," along with a request for clarification on what chassis wiring entails.
  • A participant provides a logarithmic breakdown of copper wire gauge resistance over distance, linking the maximum recommended amps for each gauge to factors like power loss and heating under different conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding wire gauges and their implications, with no consensus reached on specific recommendations for wire sizes related to powering devices.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about wire gauge standards and their applications may not be fully articulated, and the discussion includes various conditions affecting wire performance, such as insulation and cooling methods.

johnbrown11
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Hello,

Can anyone explain to me what wire guages are? It just says its a measurement of how large a wire is and how much electric current in can safley handle. Can anyone give more insight? Also, if I want to power something that requires 100watts what size of a gauge should i use and why?

Thanks
 
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Gauge is a measure of wire diameter (smaller gauge is larger diameter). Larger diameter wires have higher current carrying capability so it doesn't heat up too much and pose a fire hazard. Normal U.S. household wiring is 12 gauge I believe.

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
 
what does, Maximum amps for chassis wiring and Maximum amps for power transmission? Also what is chassis wiring?
 
The copper electrical wire gauge is logarithmic in ohms/1000 feet:

0 Ga. 0.1 ohms/1000 ft
10 Ga. 1 ohms/1000 ft
20 Ga. 100 ohms/1000 ft
30 Ga 1000 ohms/1000 ft

The recommended max amps for a specific wire gauge is based on power loss and heating. e.g.,

Bare wire with convection cooling
insulated wire with convection cooling
insulated wire in bundles or in conduit
Chassis wiring

Bob S
 

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