Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
18 messages Options
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

palm24x7
The math looks correct, but the analysis is wrong.  The first statement
"rated for 20 amps at 120 volts" is wrong.  A more correct statement would
be that a given wire size (12 gauge for example) is rated for 20 amps.
Voltage has nothing to do with it.  The amp rating of wire is based on gauge
only and how much heat it is generating per unit length.  Heat is watts, or
I^2*R.

An example:  100' of 12 gauge wire has a resistance of about 0.159 ohms.
At 20 amps, this 100' of wire is generating 20*20*0.159 watts of heat (63.7
watts).
This is what is considered "safe" for that wire gauge.

Having said it has nothing to do with voltage, there is one thing to be
considered.
Over that 100' of wire with 20 amp going through it, there is a voltage
drop of
E=IR or E=20*0.159 or 3.18 volts.  Now, in a 120 volt circuit, a drop of
3.18 volts
may not be very significant.  But in a 13.8 volt circuit, you're down to
10.6 volts
which is quite significant.  So, you may want to up the wire size to cut
down on
voltage drop.

-Brad NN0R

Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2013 09:51:56 -0500

> From: "Richard Fjeld" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>,        <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Suddenly died
> Message-ID: <40B6D4509C21413B80B1A7B30D30E99F@HPCompaq>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
>         reply-type=response
>
> To those who replied on, and off line, I don't mind factual disagreement,
> but aren't we above insults? It doesn't get much simpler than this.
>
> R is the resistance of the conductor (wire).
> I is the current flow.
> E is the Electromotive Force, or voltage.
>
> Ohms law is E=IR, and with simple algebra is I=E/R
>
> If a conductor (wire) is rated for 20 amps at 120 volts for a given length
> (due to it's R),
> and we want to use that same wire for 20 amps at 13.8 volts,
> we must reduce R by either increasing the wire size, decreasing the length,
> or a combination of both.
>
> Dick, n0ce
>
>
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Richard Fjeld
I didn't check your figures, but I agree with your understanding  except at
240 volts, that same wire gauge would have twice the capacity.

Dick, n0ce


-----Original Message-----
From: Brad Blasing
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 1:22 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

The math looks correct, but the analysis is wrong.  The first statement
"rated for 20 amps at 120 volts" is wrong.  A more correct statement would
be that a given wire size (12 gauge for example) is rated for 20 amps.
Voltage has nothing to do with it.  The amp rating of wire is based on gauge
only and how much heat it is generating per unit length.  Heat is watts, or
I^2*R.

An example:  100' of 12 gauge wire has a resistance of about 0.159 ohms.
At 20 amps, this 100' of wire is generating 20*20*0.159 watts of heat (63.7
watts).
This is what is considered "safe" for that wire gauge.

Having said it has nothing to do with voltage, there is one thing to be
considered.
Over that 100' of wire with 20 amp going through it, there is a voltage
drop of
E=IR or E=20*0.159 or 3.18 volts.  Now, in a 120 volt circuit, a drop of
3.18 volts
may not be very significant.  But in a 13.8 volt circuit, you're down to
10.6 volts
which is quite significant.  So, you may want to up the wire size to cut
down on
voltage drop.

-Brad NN0R


______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Mark Bayern
>>"I didn't check your figures, but I agree with your understanding  except at 240 volts, that same wire gauge would have twice the capacity.

"twice the capacity"   What does that mean?  Earlier you were talking
about current. At 240 volts the current carrying capacity of your wire
would be the same as it was at 120 volts.

This is engineering not politics ... please be a little more precise.

Mark  AD5SS
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Richard Fjeld
In reply to this post by Richard Fjeld
I better say 'twice the current carrying capacity'.


-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Fjeld
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 1:44 PM
To: Brad Blasing ; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

I didn't check your figures, but I agree with your understanding  except at
240 volts, that same wire gauge would have twice the capacity.

Dick, n0ce


-----Original Message-----
From: Brad Blasing
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 1:22 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

The math looks correct, but the analysis is wrong.  The first statement
"rated for 20 amps at 120 volts" is wrong.  A more correct statement would
be that a given wire size (12 gauge for example) is rated for 20 amps.
Voltage has nothing to do with it.  The amp rating of wire is based on gauge
only and how much heat it is generating per unit length.  Heat is watts, or
I^2*R.

An example:  100' of 12 gauge wire has a resistance of about 0.159 ohms.
At 20 amps, this 100' of wire is generating 20*20*0.159 watts of heat (63.7
watts).
This is what is considered "safe" for that wire gauge.

Having said it has nothing to do with voltage, there is one thing to be
considered.
Over that 100' of wire with 20 amp going through it, there is a voltage
drop of
E=IR or E=20*0.159 or 3.18 volts.  Now, in a 120 volt circuit, a drop of
3.18 volts
may not be very significant.  But in a 13.8 volt circuit, you're down to
10.6 volts
which is quite significant.  So, you may want to up the wire size to cut
down on
voltage drop.

-Brad NN0R


______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Richard Fjeld
In reply to this post by Mark Bayern
You are correct.  I answered too quickly.  I stand corrected.

Dick, n0ce


-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Bayern
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 1:50 PM
To: Richard Fjeld
Cc: Brad Blasing ; Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

>>"I didn't check your figures, but I agree with your understanding  except
>>at 240 volts, that same wire gauge would have twice the capacity.

"twice the capacity"   What does that mean?  Earlier you were talking
about current. At 240 volts the current carrying capacity of your wire
would be the same as it was at 120 volts.

This is engineering not politics ... please be a little more precise.

Mark  AD5SS

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Richard Fjeld
In reply to this post by Richard Fjeld
I retract this.  I have no excuse.


-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Fjeld
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 1:51 PM
To: Brad Blasing ; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

I better say 'twice the current carrying capacity'.


-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Fjeld
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 1:44 PM
To: Brad Blasing ; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

I didn't check your figures, but I agree with your understanding  except at
240 volts, that same wire gauge would have twice the capacity.

Dick, n0ce


-----Original Message-----
From: Brad Blasing
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 1:22 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

The math looks correct, but the analysis is wrong.  The first statement
"rated for 20 amps at 120 volts" is wrong.  A more correct statement would
be that a given wire size (12 gauge for example) is rated for 20 amps.
Voltage has nothing to do with it.  The amp rating of wire is based on gauge
only and how much heat it is generating per unit length.  Heat is watts, or
I^2*R.

An example:  100' of 12 gauge wire has a resistance of about 0.159 ohms.
At 20 amps, this 100' of wire is generating 20*20*0.159 watts of heat (63.7
watts).
This is what is considered "safe" for that wire gauge.

Having said it has nothing to do with voltage, there is one thing to be
considered.
Over that 100' of wire with 20 amp going through it, there is a voltage
drop of
E=IR or E=20*0.159 or 3.18 volts.  Now, in a 120 volt circuit, a drop of
3.18 volts
may not be very significant.  But in a 13.8 volt circuit, you're down to
10.6 volts
which is quite significant.  So, you may want to up the wire size to cut
down on
voltage drop.

-Brad NN0R


______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by Richard Fjeld
Geesh, how is that possible - twice the current equals twice as much
heat and will exceed the capacity of the wire.  The current rating for a
wire is the *same* no matter what the voltage.
Also note that the safe rated current is different for wires in a bundle
and for a single wire - the heat is not dissipated as easily in a bundle.

Now if we are talking about Power delivered to the load, that is an
'horse of a different color'
twice the power can be delivered over a wire (of any gauge) at 240 volts
as opposed to 120 volts.

A bit of study on basic Ohm's Law (both for EI&R and for EI&P should
make all that clear.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/7/2013 2:51 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:

> I better say 'twice the current carrying capacity'.
>
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Richard Fjeld
> Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 1:44 PM
> To: Brad Blasing ; [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11
>
> I didn't check your figures, but I agree with your understanding
> except at
> 240 volts, that same wire gauge would have twice the capacity.

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

On 10/7/2013 5:31 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 > Geesh, how is that possible - twice the current equals twice as much
 > heat and will exceed the capacity of the wire.

Sorry, Don ... twice the current => *four times* the heat.  Heat
(energy in Joules) = Watts * seconds.  One Joule (one Watt-second)
is 2.78e-7 kW*h

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 10/7/2013 5:31 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Geesh, how is that possible - twice the current equals twice as much
> heat and will exceed the capacity of the wire.  The current rating for a
> wire is the *same* no matter what the voltage.
> Also note that the safe rated current is different for wires in a bundle
> and for a single wire - the heat is not dissipated as easily in a bundle.
>
> Now if we are talking about Power delivered to the load, that is an
> 'horse of a different color'
> twice the power can be delivered over a wire (of any gauge) at 240 volts
> as opposed to 120 volts.
>
> A bit of study on basic Ohm's Law (both for EI&R and for EI&P should
> make all that clear.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 10/7/2013 2:51 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:
>> I better say 'twice the current carrying capacity'.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message----- From: Richard Fjeld
>> Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 1:44 PM
>> To: Brad Blasing ; [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11
>>
>> I didn't check your figures, but I agree with your understanding
>> except at
>> 240 volts, that same wire gauge would have twice the capacity.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Don Wilhelm-4
OK Joe,  You are correct.  It has been a very long time since I have
been involved with heat related science issues.  More current equals
more heat (for a given resistance) has been sufficient for me most of
the time without getting into the exact math.

It is good to know that some folks here still have those formulas on the
top of their heads.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/7/2013 5:57 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>
> On 10/7/2013 5:31 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> > Geesh, how is that possible - twice the current equals twice as much
> > heat and will exceed the capacity of the wire.
>
> Sorry, Don ... twice the current => *four times* the heat. Heat
> (energy in Joules) = Watts * seconds.  One Joule (one Watt-second)
> is 2.78e-7 kW*h
>
> 73,
>
>    ... Joe, W4TV

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

David Cutter
So far nobody has mentioned insulation material.  The rating of a cable has
little to do with melting the wire and mostly to do with melting or
softening the insulation which would create a shock and/ or fire hazard.
The same size wire insulated with PVC is allowed to rise to a much lower
temperature compared to insulation of PTFE or numerous other materials.  And
what is good or bad for mains circuits will not be the same in a vehicle or
aircraft circuit.

David
G3UNA




----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 11:14 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11


> OK Joe,  You are correct.  It has been a very long time since I have been
> involved with heat related science issues.  More current equals more heat
> (for a given resistance) has been sufficient for me most of the time
> without getting into the exact math.
>
> It is good to know that some folks here still have those formulas on the
> top of their heads.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 10/7/2013 5:57 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>
>> On 10/7/2013 5:31 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> > Geesh, how is that possible - twice the current equals twice as much
>> > heat and will exceed the capacity of the wire.
>>
>> Sorry, Don ... twice the current => *four times* the heat. Heat
>> (energy in Joules) = Watts * seconds.  One Joule (one Watt-second)
>> is 2.78e-7 kW*h
>>
>> 73,
>>
>>    ... Joe, W4TV
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Neal Enault
If you look at most wire specifications (military in particular), you will note that the temperature rating of the wire is based on the conductor temperature which is the combination of current heating and ambient temperature.  To determine the effects of ambient temperature, one has to do some not so accurate calculations or refer to a document like MIL-W-5088 which also provides guidance for wire ratings in bundles and at various altitudes.
 
Neal WA6OCP
 

________________________________
 From: David Cutter <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
Sent: Monday, October 7, 2013 3:33 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11
 

So far nobody has mentioned insulation material.  The rating of a cable has little to do with melting the wire and mostly to do with melting or softening the insulation which would create a shock and/ or fire hazard. The same size wire insulated with PVC is allowed to rise to a much lower temperature compared to insulation of PTFE or numerous other materials.  And what is good or bad for mains circuits will not be the same in a vehicle or aircraft circuit.

David
G3UNA




----- Original Message ----- From: "Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 11:14 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11


> OK Joe,  You are correct.  It has been a very long time since I have been involved with heat related science issues.  More current equals more heat (for a given resistance) has been sufficient for me most of the time without getting into the exact math.
>
> It is good to know that some folks here still have those formulas on the top of their heads.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 10/7/2013 5:57 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>
>> On 10/7/2013 5:31 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> > Geesh, how is that possible - twice the current equals twice as much
>> > heat and will exceed the capacity of the wire.
>>
>> Sorry, Don ... twice the current => *four times* the heat. Heat
>> (energy in Joules) = Watts * seconds.  One Joule (one Watt-second)
>> is 2.78e-7 kW*h
>>
>> 73,
>>
>>    ... Joe, W4TV
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net/
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Edward R Cole
In reply to this post by palm24x7
Another thing that states this is current ratings on switches (ever
look at the specs?).

Typical toggle switch may be rated 20A at 125vac and 10A at
250vac.  Why?  If the load resistance is the same then twice the
voltage will double the current.  Heat dissipation of the switch is
the same for either voltage thus the current rating is halved at
higher voltage.

For my station my Astron 50A PS outputs 14.2 vdc thru about 18-feet
of 6awg welding wire to the main station fuse, a 30A BUSS
fuse.  Under max load of nearly 30amps the voltage drop is about 0.4v
to 13.8v.  From my engineering pocket handbook awg6 is rated at
0.3952 ohms/1000-feet.  18/1000*0.3952 = .007 ohms.  IR = E:  30*.007
= 0.21 volts

Of course there is smaller wiring from the distribution terminal
strip to individual equipment, so additional voltage drop will exist
depending on the wire size and length (resistance).  One reason to
keep high power amp power cords short.

Ron' point to measure internal voltage and current is that what you
have at the terminal of the RF transistor is how much work it will do
(making RF).  In general having slightly more voltage will run the
transistor cooler as less current is needed for a given output power.

Transistors all run at below 100% efficiency and the amount of power
not making RF makes heat (per I^2*R law).  60% is typical efficiency
of a HF transmitting device.  So if that equals 100w RF, then 67w is
being dissipated as heat.  My 8877 running at 660ma at 3700v = 2442w
dc input.  With 1500w RF output 2442-1500= 942w of heat to
dissipate!  Luckily the 8877 is rated at 1500w dissipation.  The
cooling system is really tested when I key down for roughly a minute in JT65.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
[hidden email]
"Kits made by KL7UW"

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Don Wilhelm-4
Ed and all,

When calculating the voltage drop like this, you need to add the voltage
drop in the negative side wire as well as the positive side.  The same
current flows on both sides, so the voltage drop must be calculated
using the length of both wires.  This fact is often forgotten.  .007
ohms coming and .007 ohms going.

The other "sneaky" fact of this is that the power supply negative
terminal and the equipment negative are not at the same potential. That
can produce noise pickup and amplify RF-IN-THE-Shack problems. Bond all
equipment together with heavy gauge wire to minimize that effect.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/8/2013 7:00 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> For my station my Astron 50A PS outputs 14.2 vdc thru about 18-feet of
> 6awg welding wire to the main station fuse, a 30A BUSS fuse.  Under
> max load of nearly 30amps the voltage drop is about 0.4v to 13.8v.  
> From my engineering pocket handbook awg6 is rated at 0.3952
> ohms/1000-feet.  18/1000*0.3952 = .007 ohms.  IR = E:  30*.007 = 0.21
> volts
>

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Phil Kane-2
In reply to this post by Neal Enault
On 10/7/2013 3:44 PM, Neal Enault wrote:

> To determine the effects of ambient temperature, one has to do some
> not so accurate calculations or refer to a document like MIL-W-5088
> which also provides guidance for wire ratings in bundles and at
> various altitudes.


In the civilian/industrial world, the (U.S.) National Electrical Code
(NPFA 70) has a whole series of Ampacity tables (that's the term for
"current rating").  I've always used that as my guide.

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

David Cutter
Are those codes applied to low voltage isolated supplies by law or
are there separate codes for this?  In the context of the original question,
the 13.8V dc supply will not have the same shock hazard, though it may have
the same fire hazard, so, perhaps a different code/standard applies.  House
wiring requires a high degree of safety because its potential (risk) for
fire, but the risk of fire in isolated low voltage equipment which is on
view (ie not hidden in building cavities etc) is different.

David
G3UNA


----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Kane" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2013 5:16 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11


> On 10/7/2013 3:44 PM, Neal Enault wrote:
>
>> To determine the effects of ambient temperature, one has to do some
>> not so accurate calculations or refer to a document like MIL-W-5088
>> which also provides guidance for wire ratings in bundles and at
>> various altitudes.
>
>
> In the civilian/industrial world, the (U.S.) National Electrical Code
> (NPFA 70) has a whole series of Ampacity tables (that's the term for
> "current rating").  I've always used that as my guide.
>
> 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
> Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402
>
> From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
> Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Don Wilhelm-4
David,

I believe the same codes do apply since they are based on current, not
voltage.

Codes aside, do not take low voltage, high current sources lightly
(particularly batteries) because they are a very large source of
energy.  If shorted, molten metal spewing all over is not an
exaggeration, it is real.
That is why the power cables should be fused for the Ampacity rating of
the wire with the fuse placed near the power source.  You are protecting
the wire against fault conditions, not necessarily the equipment connected.

Shock hazards are a different thing - fuses will not help with shock
hazards.  True, low voltage supplies may not be a shock hazard, but they
are a hazard just the same because of the high energy available should
there be a fault.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/8/2013 1:45 PM, David Cutter wrote:
> Are those codes applied to low voltage isolated supplies by law or
> are there separate codes for this?  In the context of the original
> question, the 13.8V dc supply will not have the same shock hazard,
> though it may have the same fire hazard, so, perhaps a different
> code/standard applies.  House wiring requires a high degree of safety
> because its potential (risk) for fire, but the risk of fire in
> isolated low voltage equipment which is on view (ie not hidden in
> building cavities etc) is different.

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

David Cutter
Thanks, Don, that was the reason for my question.  I've had dealings with
large MW motors and getting the right cables for them and in contrast low
voltage, high current applications.  Over here, once you get below the
Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) limit (meaning isolated and from memory
<42V) regime the rules change, but my memory fails me as to specifics.  I
have a feeling that the automotive industry have different insulation
requirements for instance.

David
G3UNA


----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]>
To: "David Cutter" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2013 7:17 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11


> David,
>
> I believe the same codes do apply since they are based on current, not
> voltage.
>
> Codes aside, do not take low voltage, high current sources lightly
> (particularly batteries) because they are a very large source of energy.
> If shorted, molten metal spewing all over is not an exaggeration, it is
> real.
> That is why the power cables should be fused for the Ampacity rating of
> the wire with the fuse placed near the power source.  You are protecting
> the wire against fault conditions, not necessarily the equipment
> connected.
>
> Shock hazards are a different thing - fuses will not help with shock
> hazards.  True, low voltage supplies may not be a shock hazard, but they
> are a hazard just the same because of the high energy available should
> there be a fault.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 10/8/2013 1:45 PM, David Cutter wrote:
>> Are those codes applied to low voltage isolated supplies by law or
>> are there separate codes for this?  In the context of the original
>> question, the 13.8V dc supply will not have the same shock hazard, though
>> it may have the same fire hazard, so, perhaps a different code/standard
>> applies.  House wiring requires a high degree of safety because its
>> potential (risk) for fire, but the risk of fire in isolated low voltage
>> equipment which is on view (ie not hidden in building cavities etc) is
>> different.
>

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11

Nr4c
In reply to this post by palm24x7
Many a fire has been caused by overloaded or defective  exposed extension cords.

And, melting insulation on an overburdened 13volt power cord smells terrible and lucky it wasn't directly across the battery.

...bill nr4c

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID

David Cutter <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Are those codes applied to low voltage isolated supplies by law or
>are there separate codes for this?  In the context of the original question,
>the 13.8V dc supply will not have the same shock hazard, though it may have
>the same fire hazard, so, perhaps a different code/standard applies.  House
>wiring requires a high degree of safety because its potential (risk) for
>fire, but the risk of fire in isolated low voltage equipment which is on
>view (ie not hidden in building cavities etc) is different.
>
>David
>G3UNA
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Phil Kane" <[hidden email]>
>To: <[hidden email]>
>Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2013 5:16 PM
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 114, Issue 11
>
>
>> On 10/7/2013 3:44 PM, Neal Enault wrote:
>>
>>> To determine the effects of ambient temperature, one has to do some
>>> not so accurate calculations or refer to a document like MIL-W-5088
>>> which also provides guidance for wire ratings in bundles and at
>>> various altitudes.
>>
>>
>> In the civilian/industrial world, the (U.S.) National Electrical Code
>> (NPFA 70) has a whole series of Ampacity tables (that's the term for
>> "current rating").  I've always used that as my guide.
>>
>> 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
>> Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402
>>
>> From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
>> Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 
>
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html