Re: Wire Gauge sizes

Posted by MarkB_MI on September 30, 2004 at 03:59:14 from (64.31.11.45):

In Reply to: Wire Gauge sizes posted by JD Jim A. on September 29, 2004 at 19:27:34:

There are two things to consider: ampacity and voltage drop.

Ampacity is the absolute maximum current that can be safely conducted by the wire. It is a function of wire gauge, wire material (copper versus aluminum) and the insulation temperature rating. It also varies by the particular application. The National Electrical Code has tables to determine ampacity for a given conductor in a given application.

Once ampacity has been determined, then voltage drop should be calculated. Generally voltage drop should be no more that 2 or 3 percent of the input voltage. Voltage drop is usually not an issue for short distances. You can look up voltage drop in the NEC tables, or you can calculate it if you know the resistance per foot of the particular conductor, using ohm's law (V=IR, where voltage drop is equal to the current times total resistance). If the voltage drop is excessive, then a larger gauge must be used than is required to meet the ampacity.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Wire Gauge sizes Allan in NE 05:21:14 09/30/04 (19)
  • Re: Wire Gauge sizes MarkB_MI 15:18:45 09/30/04 (2)
    • Re: Wire Gauge sizes thurlow 15:50:34 09/30/04 (1)
      • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Dick A 06:20:33 10/01/04 (0)
  • Re: Wire Gauge sizes RAB 08:41:32 09/30/04 (4)
    • Re: Wire Gauge sizes txblu 09:19:08 09/30/04 (2)
      • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Allan in NE 09:38:32 09/30/04 (1)
        • Re: Wire Gauge sizes txblu 13:08:45 09/30/04 (0)
    • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Allan in NE 09:15:29 09/30/04 (0)
  • Re: Wire Gauge sizes txblu 05:40:19 09/30/04 (0)
  • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Red Dave 05:39:51 09/30/04 (9)
    • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Allan in NE 06:04:52 09/30/04 (8)
      • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Vern-MI 07:25:02 09/30/04 (0)
      • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Stickler 07:19:18 09/30/04 (1)
        • Re: Wire Gauge sizes txblu 08:08:32 09/30/04 (0)
      • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Willy-N HERE!! 07:05:23 09/30/04 (4)
        • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Allan in NE 07:34:53 09/30/04 (3)
          • Re: Wire Gauge sizes txblu 07:52:12 09/30/04 (2)
            • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Willy-N No Biggy 10:19:06 09/30/04 (0)
            • Re: Wire Gauge sizes Stickler 08:48:37 09/30/04 (0)

Post a Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]