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Q & A of the Day – Do manufacturers specify an O/D for cables?

Published: 13 January 2009 Category: Q&A

Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, concerning single-core CPC and SWA cables and their CSAs, is answered by SELECT:

Q & A of the Day – Do manufacturers specify an O/D for cables?
Question: On an installation, there are separate single-core CPCs running alongside steel wired armoured cable (SWA)…35/50/70mm etc. There are no electrical records. Do cable manufacturers specify an outside diameter (O/D) for these various sizes, as they can't be disconnected and the crimped lugs give no information?

We would also like to know the same information for SWA/PVC/PVC...four-core cable. How can you tell its conductor size from its O/D? At present they can't be powered off to investigate, and there is no information regarding conductor size on the sheath. Is there a cable gauge that can be purchased, etc?

Answer: Normally, the cross sectional areas (CSAs) of cables are estimated using a trained eye and experience. A more accurate way may be to use a caliper type gauge for measurement. This measuring equipment may be available from individual cable manufacturers, as each manufacturer's cable may differ slightly.

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www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions

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