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Cord load measures the safe amount of electrical power a power cord can handle. The formula for calculating cable load is amps multiplied by voltage. Safe wire carrying capacity is measured in watts and amperage capacity is calculated by multiplying cable load by 0.8. Factors affecting cable load include resistance, length, insulation, location, ambient temperature, and type of metal and wire. Stranded wire can carry a greater load than solid wire. Use caution and larger diameter wires when calculating safe wire loads for circuits and avoid bundling cables together.
Cord load, or cord load, is a measure of the amount of electrical power in watts that a power cord can safely handle. The basic formula for calculating cable load in watts is amps of current multiplied by voltage. Resistance and other factors are why a power cord can only handle a specific amount of electrical energy before the heat created by the wire’s natural resistance to the electricity flowing through it begins to cause the wire to overheat, creating a dangerous condition .
A safe wire carrying capacity is measured in watts, but the safe amperage capacity of the circuit must also be calculated. This is done by multiplying the cable load and then multiplying this number by 0.8 to get the safe amperage capacity for the wiring. When cable load and amperage capacity are not carefully observed, wiring insulation failure and electrical malfunctions are inevitable.
The precise cable load is determined by a number of factors, including the resistance, length and type of insulation of the cable, as well as the location of the wiring and the ambient temperature where the device will be used. The different types of metal used in the manufacture of the wire and the type of wire are also taken into consideration when calculating a safe wire load. Some metals are better conductors of electric current, so wires made from these metals will produce less resistance to electric current and run cooler.
When electric current travels in a power cord, it doesn’t pass through the actual metal wire. Instead, it travels on the surface of the wire. This is why stranded wire, which is made up of many smaller wires twisted together, has the ability to carry a greater cable load than solid wire which is the same diameter and length but has a smaller total surface area . The stranded wire produces less resistance to the flow of electricity and, in turn, less heat, thereby increasing its safe watt and amperage carrying capacity.
Using a smaller wire than required in a pattern can be dangerous. When calculating safe wire loads for circuits used to power electrical equipment, appliances, and other projects where voltage drop may vary, a person should always err on the side of caution and use larger diameter wires whenever possible. You should also avoid bundling cables together when installing cabling in a building, because the safe cable load of cable bundles is significantly reduced because the heat cannot escape.
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