What do you use to measure the csa of cables?

[DNS1]

Calipers? One of those cards with holes in? Or something else?

I know in the end I'll get to tell what is what by sight and feel but need something to help me in the meantime, especially with larger live conductors and earth bonding etc

 

[mickys86]

funny how i got banned probably because of this member, apparently too good for the 2330 and two weeks later he admits he can't size cable by sight?!

Do what tele said if you lug them you could hang them on a keyring???

Keyring sounds cool..... Can ya make me one? Make it easier to find my keys!!

 

[Strima]

I stab my finger with the end of the cable, after safe isolation is carried out just to be safe. The greater the volume of blood, the greater the CSA. I start feeling a little light headed over 16mm...

 

[Golden_Boy]

If you are doing domestic work (or work in other properties wired pre 70s) then you'll need a vernier caliper to measure the diameter of strands. The difference between 7/029 and 7/036 strand diameter is just 0.17mm. I defy you to tell by eye.

Yep vernier calipers then Pi r squared.

 

[the pict]

Plastic caliper about 6 quid can remeber where I got it if your not sure guesiing is a poor option
Pict

 

[Knobhead]

Yep vernier calipers then Pi r squared.

Think you’ll find it’s a bit more than πR²

To convert imperial to metric

Given 1²inch = 645.16²mm

(((π/4)*Core²)*Strands)*645.16 = metric equivalent

So say 7/.064
(((π/4)*0.064²)*7)*645.16 = metric equivalent
((0.7853*0.0040)*7)*645.16 = 14.523mm

 

[ipf]

With all the time it's taking you may as well measure the length and resistance and work it out from the OSG table (I don't think).

 

[ezzzekiel]

dosent matter just stick anything in sure it will be fine

 

[Golden_Boy]

Think you’ll find it’s a bit more than πR²

To convert imperial to metric

Given 1²inch = 645.16²mm

(((π/4)*Core²)*Strands)*645.16 = metric equivalent

So say 7/.064
(((π/4)*0.064²)*7)*645.16 = metric equivalent
((0.7853*0.0040)*7)*645.16 = 14.523mm

Measure DIAMETER in prefered units then divide by 2 then use πR²

 

[SKY]

I'm normally ok to tell by sight with sizes from 1.5 - 25mm.
I find that older cable has thicker insulation than the cable of today and sometime I find telling the difference between 4mm old cable and 6mm new (from a quick look).

I think that BASEC sould make it compusory that cable is marked every 12" or so. (some already are but many do not).

 

[Knobhead]

Measure DIAMETER in prefered units then divide by 2 then use πR²

So what about the air gaps between the strands.

Try using maths and physics, but don't try to beat me at it.

 

[Golden_Boy]

So what about the air gaps between the strands.

Try using maths and physics, but don't try to beat me at it.

Thats for singe strands NOT multistranded { I knew that degree would come in handy }

 

[Knobhead]

While doing your degree did you come across single strand IMPERIAL cable?

 

[Engineer54]

As i remember. 1/044 was quite popular in the very early days!! lol!!

 

[johnboy6083]

Finding the CSA of each strand in a larger shaped conductor would be nearly impossible I'd say, due to the fact that they are not round. Aloe cable sizes are not actual CSA's, but nominal CSA, based on current carrying capacity. This means that there could be slight discrepancies between manufacturers. I don't know how much you could allow for error and still measure, but maybe there is a rule of thumb.

 

[growler]

my 3 year old knows her csa off by heart clever girl