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

 

[Snapester]

The writing on the side if there is any, but mainly i can tell by sight. I dont have time to measure.

 

[cdavies33]

My eyes!

 

[DNS1]

And for someone new to the game?

 

[telectrix]

build up a collection of offcuts, label them and use them for comparison.

 

[Knobhead]

I made a card that hung in the workshop with a sample of each size from 1mm through to 95mm. Easy for an apprentice to compare.

Other than that the weight per meter.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

Dont forget, the cross sectional area is the CSA of the copper bit, not the insulation. A tape measure will suffice for measuring. You will soon get to be able to identify by sight.

Cheers............Howard

 

[DNS1]

Cheers guys

 

[PC Electrics]

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.

 

[i=p/u]

tape measure is good awnser to this question for those begining..

 

[DNS1]

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???

Why do you have such a problem with me peterdaniels?

I didn't make you be abusive to people. You did that yourself.

Oh and by the way, I did not say I'm too good for the 2330 as you are well aware.

 

[Knobhead]

For any one interested to tell the CSA by weight.

SG of copper = 8930KG per M³

So the weight per meter = CSA/1,000*8930

CSA MM Gm per M

1	8.93
1.5	13.40
2.5	22.33
4	35.72
6	53.58
10	89.30
16	142.88
25	223.25
35	312.55
50	446.50
70	625.10
95	848.35
120	1,071.60
150	1,339.50
195	1,741.35
240	2,143.20
300	2,679.00

Don’t forget this is the stripped weight of copper. (Good guide for weigh ins)!

For aluminium

SG of aluminium = 2560KG per M³

So the weight per meter = CSA/1,000*2560

CSA MM Gm per M

1 2.56 1.5 3.84 2.5 6.40 4 10.24 6 15.36 10 25.60 16 40.96 25 64.00 35 89.60 50 128.00 70 179.20 95 243.20 120 307.20 150 384.00 195 499.20 240 614.40 300 768.00

I’ve been lucky, everywhere I’ve worked had analytical labs. Access to accurate scales wasn’t a problem.

 

[Silly Sausage]

I made a card that hung in the workshop with a sample of each size from 1mm through to 95mm. Easy for an apprentice to compare.

Other than that the weight per meter.

Now that's the advice of a Pik.....

Samples or holey plate, but usually 'educated' guesses.

 

[needasparks]

Now that's the advice of a Pik.....

Samples or holey plate, but usually 'educated' guesses.

You can't call our tinker tony (TT) a pik.....

 

[Knobhead]

Wouldn't be the first time :disguise: