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Power Loss Formula:
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Power loss in a cable refers to the electrical energy converted to heat due to the resistance of the conductor material. This loss occurs when current flows through the cable and is dissipated as thermal energy.
The calculator uses the power loss formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates power dissipation based on Joule's first law, where power loss is proportional to the square of current multiplied by resistance and cable length.
Details: Calculating power loss is crucial for electrical system design, energy efficiency optimization, cable sizing, and preventing overheating in electrical installations.
Tips: Enter current in amperes, resistance per unit length in Ω/m, and cable length in meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: Why does power loss increase with the square of current?
A: According to Joule's law, power dissipation in a resistor is proportional to the square of current (P = I²R), meaning doubling the current quadruples the power loss.
Q2: How can I reduce power loss in cables?
A: Use cables with lower resistance (larger cross-sectional area), reduce current by increasing voltage, or shorten cable lengths where possible.
Q3: What factors affect cable resistance?
A: Conductor material, cross-sectional area, temperature, and cable length all affect the overall resistance.
Q4: Is power loss the same as voltage drop?
A: No, power loss refers to energy dissipated as heat, while voltage drop is the reduction in voltage along the cable. They are related but different concepts.
Q5: When is power loss calculation most important?
A: Critical in long cable runs, high-current applications, energy-efficient designs, and situations where heat generation could be problematic.