question for sparkies
Submitted: Saturday, Aug 31, 2002 at 00:00
ThreadID:
1864
Views:
2042
Replies:
8
FollowUps:
1
This Thread has been Archived
Crofty
How do you measure diametar of automotive wiring? Inside or outside? Is the 6mm flexible cable the same size as 6mm flexible industrial?
Reply By: Maurie - Friday, Sep 06, 2002 at 00:00
Friday, Sep 06, 2002 at 00:00
I am sorry to pour cold water on some of the replies but here goes. A while back I asked an auto electrician how auto cable was measured as no matter how I did the calculations I could not get 4mm for 4mm wire. His answer was that some time ago they changed the method of measuring auto wire and he didn't know how it was measured now.
I have a part roll of 4mm auto wire in front of me and the info on the label is 1 x 26/.30 (1.84sqmm). The outside diameter of the wire including insulation is about 2.8mm so where the 4mm comes from noone seems to know. As they don't have to comply with AS3000 they can label it however they like so if you are using auto cable you should get the trusty calculator out and calculate the voltage drop and see if it is acceptable for your intended use.
if anyone knows how they measure auto cable I would sure like to know.
AnswerID:
6432
Follow Up By: Les - Wednesday, Oct 02, 2002 at 00:00
Wednesday, Oct 02, 2002 at 00:00
I think this is because the diameter is only APPROX 1.84mm (not exact because of a conversion of measurement from imperial I guess).
Therefore, 1.84mm X 1.84mm (ie "squared") = 3.3856 mm or APPROX 4mm ! The reason the diameter is squared is because the whole cross section carries the current, not just the diameter---if that makes sense
4mm is very "approx" as it's actually closer to 3.5mm........
but you get that.
FollowupID:
3232