Hello, There must be any standard between AWG cable size and the current. Let say that I need a cable ( 1 conductor) to support 1A, what is the minimum AWG size I must use? Web: Where I could get more info about this? Or any table available? Thanks.
Google it copper wire size
I would use a few sizes bigger anyway. Also if you've a long length, you may want to up the wire size.
current.
what is the
try
This site comes up first.
beyond that depending if the wire is plated over the copper or not, or how finely stranded and type of insulation it will be rated for more amps... also lenght is an issue as you near its max ampacity.
Phil Scott
| There must be any standard between AWG cable size and the current. | Let say that I need a cable ( 1 conductor) to support 1A, what is the | minimum AWG size I must use? | Web: Where I could get more info about this? | Or any table available?
The National Electrical Code has the official table (and accompanying rules that include details about derating for conduit fill, etc).
Outside of any requirements for legal and insurance purposes, you can put whatever you want on the wire that meets your well defined needs, which probably should include not melting the wire or burning up any material around the wire. You might also want to avoid energy losses in the form of heat.
What you would do is get the resistance of the wire, and calculate the voltage drop you would encounter, figure the watts, convert to joules, and determine the heat rise based on the environment's ability to remove the heat. Once you get the thermal loss within acceptable bounds, then you have an acceptable current. A lot of people have worked all this stuff out in advance, and that is reflected in the NEC tables for what is common ways of carrying power. But that is basically at levels of
15 amps and up. Below that, it's going to be fairly close to the same ratio between current are cross section area of the wire (unless you are dealing with RF).If you are looking for electronics projects use the ARRL table. If this is AC power use the NEC tables
------------------------------------------------- Ted Rubberford. 'The Man In The Red Latex Skintight Suit'
It really depends on what you are trying to do. How long is the wire, how much voltage drop can you afford and how much heat is removed by the environment? The national electric code (NEC) is usually a safe way to go when there is a reasonable distance and a few volts can be lost. For example, NEC calls out 20 Amps for 12AWG wire. That's about 326 circular mils per amp. At that rate, a one amp wire would be 326 cir mils, number
25AWG. If it's battery powered and you can't afford much drop, double the size to 640 circular mils, 22AWG. The absolute minimum for a very short wire where heat is removed by the terminals might be only one circular mill for an amp, about 48AWG. Such fine wires are found inside transistors and IC's, for example. BobPolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.