The Explorist Wire Size Calculator is a valuable tool used to determine the appropriate wire size (measured in AWG – American Wire Gauge) for electrical wiring applications. This calculator helps users select the optimal wire gauge based on specific parameters such as current, wire length, resistance, and maximum allowable voltage drop.
Formula of Explorist Wire Size Calculator
The formula used in the Explorist Wire Size Calculator is as follows:
Wire Size (AWG) = (2 * (A * L * R))/(K * Vdrop)
Where:
- A: Current (in amps) flowing through the wire.
- L: One-way length of the wire (in feet).
- R: Resistance of the wire (in ohms per 1000 feet).
- K: Constant for copper (approximately 10.75 for copper).
- Vdrop: Maximum allowable voltage drop across the wire (in volts).
General Terms Table
To assist users in understanding general terms related to wire size and electrical wiring, below is a table of commonly used terms:
| Current (Amps) | Length (ft) | AWG Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 | 14 |
| 2 | 50 | 12 |
| 5 | 75 | 10 |
| 10 | 100 | 8 |
| 15 | 150 | 6 |
| 20 | 200 | 4 |
Example of Explorist Wire Size Calculator
Suppose we need to determine the appropriate wire size for an electrical circuit with the following parameters:
- Current (A): 10 amps
- Length of wire (L): 50 feet
- Wire resistance (R): 1.5 ohms per 1000 feet
- Maximum allowable voltage drop (Vdrop): 3 volts
Using the Explorist Wire Size Calculator, we can input these values into the formula:
Wire Size (AWG) = (2 * (10 * 50 * 1.5))/(10.75 * 3) ≈ 9.63 AWG
Therefore, the recommended wire size for this application is approximately 9.63 AWG.
Most Common FAQs
A: You can use an ammeter to measure the current in the circuit.
A: The maximum allowable voltage drop is typically determined based on the specific requirements of the electrical system or equipment being powered.
A: Choosing the correct wire size is crucial to ensure the safe and efficient operation of electrical circuits. Undersized wires can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards, while oversized wires can result in unnecessary costs and installation difficulties.