Wire temp question
so i have never seen it mentioned, but i was playing around with some voltage drop calculators and i noticed they never mention what the temp the wire will run at???? example below, apparently a ...
Forum Discussion
Temperature "absolutes" are tricky when it comes to electrical wire.
By referring to a NEMA chart and observing gauge, length and amperes you can avoid getting into a contest that is befuddling.
For instance multiple wires run in a raceway EMT tubing need a certain leeway depending on tubing diameter and number of wires.
For automotive use special insulation called CROSS LINK is specified for areas like passing near hot exhaust manifolds and exhaust pipes.
Multiple wire cables like THHN have two layers of insulation. Temperature of the conductor can become much higher than in the same wire without duplex insulation.
High temperature raises havoc with terminations. Where copper meets the terminal.
Personally I call things quits if wire insulation is >30c Delta T over ambient. This level to me means shut the power off. Underhood wiring in motor vehicles has traditionally taken a beating from the heat. Insulation that chips off, or cracks. Ford Diesel battery cables are special case of wrong material for the job. I use DLO locomotive cable and LEAD plated COPPER terminals for vehicles that may have another ten years of life in them.
The best way to view conductor heating is to avoid it. If the wire is being heated by convection or radiation I would consider using Cross Link.
I ran wire in Quicksilver in one inch EMT. 10 AWG main and 14 gauge green ground. Overkill. When I connect to a 108 volt overnight receptacle a minimum of added drop helps brew coffee faster :)
For amplification if you wish the National Elecrical Manufacturer's Association NEMA has more regulations and addendum's than you can shake two sticks at...
By referring to a NEMA chart and observing gauge, length and amperes you can avoid getting into a contest that is befuddling.
For instance multiple wires run in a raceway EMT tubing need a certain leeway depending on tubing diameter and number of wires.
For automotive use special insulation called CROSS LINK is specified for areas like passing near hot exhaust manifolds and exhaust pipes.
Multiple wire cables like THHN have two layers of insulation. Temperature of the conductor can become much higher than in the same wire without duplex insulation.
High temperature raises havoc with terminations. Where copper meets the terminal.
Personally I call things quits if wire insulation is >30c Delta T over ambient. This level to me means shut the power off. Underhood wiring in motor vehicles has traditionally taken a beating from the heat. Insulation that chips off, or cracks. Ford Diesel battery cables are special case of wrong material for the job. I use DLO locomotive cable and LEAD plated COPPER terminals for vehicles that may have another ten years of life in them.
The best way to view conductor heating is to avoid it. If the wire is being heated by convection or radiation I would consider using Cross Link.
I ran wire in Quicksilver in one inch EMT. 10 AWG main and 14 gauge green ground. Overkill. When I connect to a 108 volt overnight receptacle a minimum of added drop helps brew coffee faster :)
For amplification if you wish the National Elecrical Manufacturer's Association NEMA has more regulations and addendum's than you can shake two sticks at...
