Formula to work out thickness of wire required?

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nkukard

New Member
HI Guys,

Is there a formula to work out what thickness of wire is required to carry a certain number of amps at a certain voltage?

For instance, I have 0.5mm flex ... how many amps can that carry at 24v?
 
Wire size for amperage is based on acceptable heat generated per unit length. House wiring standards for amperage is based on about 1 to 2 watts per foot maximum heat generation. It is less amperage for wire that has heavy insulation or placed in a plastic conduit which reduces ability to dissipate heat. Example of this is SOOW heavy extension cord wire. Power dissipation is I^2*R where R is the resistance of the wire.

Voltage is not a factor other then the insulation placed on the wire.
 
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