estimating cable size

[rasell]

Is there a reliable way of estimating cable size when doing a visual inspection?

Sometimes cables can look the same, is it just a case of experience or is there a definite way of measuring and saying that is 6mm or 10mm?

Marc

 

[ian.settle1]

Is there a reliable way of estimating cable size when doing a visual inspection?

Sometimes cables can look the same, is it just a case of experience or is there a definite way of measuring and saying that is 6mm or 10mm?

Marc

only problem i have is when it comes to 4 / 6 mm besides that it comes with experience when assessing cable size.

 

[Adz]

I agree, Ian. I have come across two 2.5mm single solid core PVCs , where the insulating PVC makes one look like a 4mm! Also stranded cable can appear roughly one size bigger than it actually is, when comparing to solid core cables. Maybe it would be an idea to carry around a few cable cuttings with the sizes written on them and keep them in your testing kit box.. just a suggestion...

 

[johnnyb]

Not sure who makes em, but there is a measuring device that loops around the core and has a reading on the side, perhaps your wholesaler may know. i saw a spark with one recently on a job, but we have since moved on.

 

[DanBrown]

One good tool that you might find handy for this is a Vernier Caliper. You can view and buy one here; Mitutoyo 500 196-20 Absolute Digimatic Digital Electronic Vernier Calliper 150mm / 6In - 500 196-20 - MIT50019620 - Mitutoyo Precision Measuring

Hope this helps

 

[Adz]

Wouldnt that measure the cable's diameter though as opposed to csa?

 

[ian.settle1]

Wouldnt that measure the cable's diameter though as opposed to csa?

Measure the diameter then calcolate from that but that would take ages

 

[sivoodoo]

CSA = pi r squared
I think?

 

[Ross Trician]

hello all, I raised this question in the inspection and testing section recently...

you can use verniers to measure the O/D of the cable to give you a guide for the csa of the cable. (this is not an exact science as so to speak but)

as you say the look of the core csa can be decieving..

 

[tigerpaul]

You cannot just go by the width of the cable. Different manufacturers, different types of cable, old cables, new cables, solid, stranded, there are so many variables.

You just have to take them out and have a good look at the copper, not the insulated part.

Modern cables tend to have thinner insulation, so an old 6 might look like a new 10, and so on and so on.

For the larger sizes 10mm and up, I keep a piece of string with a crimp lug of every size going up to 300mm and at the board I take the live out and try each lug to see what fits. After checking it's dead of course!

 

[jeremy]

To differentiate between 6 and ten I carry a yellow crimp connector. If it fits or nearly with a bit of wiggling it's a 6 if not its a 10. Hope this helps