Tag: wire gauge

wire gauge

Understanding Shielded Wire in Power Cords

wire 2Shielded wire describes specialty casings for cables, surrounding the cords and acting as a “shield” or protectant. The wire protects data transferred through the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI). The shield wraps around a wire, all encased within the cord’s jacket. Different styles of shielded wire casings, including foil and braided casings, are designed for use in different circumstances. Understanding shielded wire and its function will help you choose the best action for your cable needs.

Shielded wire cables offer excellent solutions to protect your cables from EMI disruption. Read below for more information about shielded wire, or contact Quail Electronics, Inc. today with questions and we will happily assist you.

Continue reading Understanding Shielded Wire in Power Cords

Power Supply Voltage Drops: The Basics

If you’re noticing decreased efficiency in your electronic systems and equipment, they may be experiencing what’s known as voltage drop. While power supply voltage drops can be damaging, understanding the basics and how to combat them can help you prevent future harm and protect your equipment. Keep reading to make sure you understand what a voltage drop is, common causes, and how to reduce the risk of voltage drops.

What is a Voltage Drop?

A supply voltage drop describes how the energy of a power supply decreases as the electrical current flows through passive elements in an electrical circuit. The potential for voltage drop increases with the length of the circuit. The further the electricity travels from the power supply, the higher the risk of voltage drop, resulting in weaker currents and decreased power.

Excessive voltage drop can be damaging and may lead to disruptions, inefficient electrical systems, and even mechanical harm. These issues can negatively impact your electrical equipment, potentially resulting in higher operating costs and decreased productivity. Understanding some of the most common sources of voltage drops can help you better prepare for and prevent damage to your electrical systems.

Common Causes of Supply Voltage Drop

  • Length of the power cable
  • Cable gauge size
  • Using AC power over DC power
  • Amount of current at the power supply
  • Power line resistance

How to Measure Voltage Drop

While small amounts of voltage drop are expected―especially for lengthy electrical circuits―monitoring for excessive voltage drop can help protect your equipment and prevent harm.

Ohm’s law describes a formula to calculate the proportional relationship between voltage, current, and resistance. The formula to calculate voltage drop is:

V = I x R

Where V represents voltage, I represents current, and R represents resistance. For further assistance in calculating voltage drop, contact a team member at Quail Electronics, Inc.

Minimize Voltage Drop in Your Power Supply

You can use various techniques to compensate for the effect of voltage drop on long circuits or where voltage levels must be accurately maintained.

  • Appropriate Wire Size: The most important factor in avoiding excessive voltage drop is selecting the correct wire size. Choose a wire gauge appropriate for the distance and current you require to best reduce resistance in your system.
  • Increase Conductor Size: One of the simplest ways to reduce voltage drop is to increase the diameter of the conductor between the source and the load, lowering the overall resistance.
  • Routine Inspection: Regularly examining your power cables and electrical systems will help you quickly identify any significant voltage drop. Make any necessary repairs as fast as possible to avoid lasting damage or costly maintenance.
  • Specialized Power Supply Design: Custom-made power cords and connectors can help you easily balance power loads and regulate voltage levels for improved performance.
  • High Voltage Power Cables: Using high-voltage power cords increases the amount of voltage flowing through a circuit and minimizes the amount of current. Higher voltage levels result in decreased voltage drop.

Learn more about global voltage standards with our helpful International Voltage and Frequency Guide.

Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. Today with Any Questions

With over 30 years of industry experience, Quail Electronics, Inc. is a leading expert in all things electronic. We offer competitive pricing, convenient same-day shipping, and minimal order requirements to get you precisely what you need for your applications. Our trained specialists can answer any questions and help you choose the best types of power cords for your requirements.

For more information about supply voltage drop and how to protect your electrical equipment, contact Quail Electronics, Inc. today, and our team will assist you with any questions.

Wire Harmonization

singerBefore you start warming up your vocal cords, let me set the record straight; wire harmonization has very little to do with a capella groups and barber shop quartets. Instead, wire harmonization focuses on a standard developed in Europe to bring together wires from different companies.

Wire harmonization refers to a European process where several European standards are merged into one. Since Europe is densely populated, as well as divided into many countries, harmonization was developed in order to bring together standards, making it easier to wire electrical devices across the continent. Continue reading Wire Harmonization

Amps in Relation to Wire Gauge

SJT wire blueAs my philosophy professor once told me, logic is a fickle thing.  What we often think makes perfect sense never actually does. Those who’ve toiled with justice, love, and the American Wire Gauge system know exactly what I’m talking about.  But no worries; Quail Electronics will explain it all, from wire gauge to the right amperage.  In a previous post, I addressed how the larger the AWG number, the smaller the wire actually is.  This also influences how much amperage is allowed through a wire. Continue reading Amps in Relation to Wire Gauge

Difference Between Jacket Types – Brrrrrr!

wiresWell, we all know you have your parkas, pea coats, or even your 80’s stylish windbreakers but do you know the difference between the jackets on your wire? Choosing a cable jacket for your wire can be just as important as choosing a jacket for the snow, the rain, or even one to protect you from a fall on your motorcycle. There are many different types of jackets used for the outside of the wire, all helping it stay protected from different elements. It could be oil, fire or even the nasty weather.

Materials

Let’s start with the material used for wire jackets. They can go mainly into two categories:  the Thermoplastics and the Thermosets. Thermoplastics are more popular as they are lower in cost to produce and lighter in weight.  Thermosets are more flexible and offer heat resistance.  The most commonly used is PVC which is part of the Thermoplastic category. It offers great flexibility for your cord and are typically used for general purpose wire.  Next we have silicone rubber which offers great flexibility and heat resistance up to 2500°. Silicone rubber belongs to the Thermoset category. Continue reading Difference Between Jacket Types – Brrrrrr!

American Wire Gauge vs. International Wire Size

If you grew up in Am1 CONDUCTOR_GREEN_YELLOWerica, meters and millimeters are basically a foreign language.  When I used to read a ruler growing up, I didn’t bother using the centimeter side. Actually, I didn’t even know why it was there. Thinking about it, the one on my desk now doesn’t even have centimeters (I should probably fix that). However, if you grew up on the other side of the pond (or anywhere else for that matter), the metric system is alive and well.

Well with International and North American wire size, it can be just as confusing. For North America, I never understood why as the wire got larger, the number got smaller. Why is 18 AWG smaller than a 10 AWG? Well, back in the day the gauge was determined by how many times the wire had to pass through the drawing dies. The smaller wire, such as 18 AWG, is going to have to pass through more times than the 10 AWG. Actually, makes sense, right? Continue reading American Wire Gauge vs. International Wire Size