Electric Cable Size

[Steve&mem]

Bought some nice new cable from Do Home a few days ago, I was really surprised how small the 16mm copper was in comparison to the 16mm we have already.

So out with the Vernier calliper, new cable is 7 strands at an average 1.45mm diameter.

 

Area of a circle, Pi x Radius squared. 

3.142 x .5625 x 7 = 12.3mm sq

 

The 16mm cable we have from PEA meter to the house is also 16mm and that is 7 strands at an average of 1.65mm diameter

3142 x .6806 x 7 = 14.96mm sq, still not 16mm but a lot better than 12.3mm.

 

Is my maths right or did I had to much looppy juice last night.

 

[Crossy]

First cable 7 x 1.45mm diameter strands.

Area per strand = pi * (1.45/2)² = 1.65 * 7 = 11.55mm²

 

Second cable 7 x 1.65mm diameter strands.

Area per strand = pi * (1.65/2)² = 2.14 * 7 = 14.96mm²

 

Sizes are "nominal" so there's always some tolerance of course.

 

I've had Thai Union cable that looks well under-size so I just don't buy it any more.

 

In reality it's not going to be an issue unless you are running very close to the wind on current and volt drop but it's not right of course.

 

[Steve&mem]

I feel I’ve been robbed also my cable crimps are very loose

[Steve&mem]

3.142 x .5625 x 7 = 12.3mm sq

Senior moment on my maths you are correct Area per strand = pi * (1.45/2)² = 1.65 * 7 = 11.55mm²

[Crossy]

You could try taking it back.

 

For the loose crimps set your crimper to one size smaller, it won't look wonderful but once the heatshrink is on nobody will know.

[Steve&mem]

Receipt missing so I’m stuck with it

[Crossy]

Having been caught out in the past I only get my cable from our local electrical specialist or from S. K. Universal 

http://www.sk-wires.com/en/

if it's something he doesn't carry.

 

Neither is particularly cheap but I trust their products.