Formula Used:
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The Area Using Resistance of Natural Wire formula calculates the cross-sectional area of an underground AC wire based on its resistivity, length, and resistance. This is particularly useful for 2-Phase 3-Wire US electrical systems.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the relationship between a wire's physical properties and its electrical resistance, with the √2 factor specific to 2-phase systems.
Details: Calculating the cross-sectional area is crucial for determining current-carrying capacity, voltage drop, and proper wire sizing in electrical installations.
Tips: Enter resistivity in Ω·m, length in meters, and resistance in ohms. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: Why is there a √2 factor in the formula?
A: The √2 factor accounts for the phase relationship in 2-phase electrical systems, which affects the effective resistance calculation.
Q2: What are typical resistivity values for common wire materials?
A: Copper: ~1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Aluminum: ~2.82×10⁻⁸ Ω·m at 20°C. Values vary with temperature.
Q3: How does wire length affect the area calculation?
A: Longer wires have higher resistance, requiring larger cross-sectional area to maintain the same resistance per unit length.
Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This formula assumes uniform material properties and temperature, and is specific to 2-phase 3-wire US systems.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world applications?
A: While theoretically accurate, real-world factors like temperature variations and material impurities may require additional considerations.