1. What is Power Loss in Cable?

Power loss in cable refers to the energy dissipated as heat due to the resistance of the conductor when current flows through it. This is commonly known as I²R loss or resistive loss.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power loss formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current flowing through the cable (Amperes)
• \( R \) — Resistance per unit length of the cable (ohms/meter)
• \( L \) — Length of the cable (meters)

Explanation: The formula calculates the total power loss by multiplying the square of current by the total resistance (resistance per unit length multiplied by cable length).

3. Importance of Power Loss Calculation

Details: Calculating power loss is crucial for electrical system design, energy efficiency optimization, cable sizing, and preventing overheating in electrical installations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes, resistance per unit length in ohms/meter, and cable length in meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is power loss proportional to the square of current?
A: Power loss is I²R because both voltage drop (V=IR) and power (P=VI) depend on current, resulting in P=I²R relationship.

Q2: How can power loss be reduced in cables?
A: Use cables with lower resistance (larger cross-sectional area), reduce current by increasing voltage, or shorten cable length.

Q3: What factors affect cable resistance?
A: Conductor material, cross-sectional area, temperature, and cable length affect resistance.

Q4: Is this calculation for AC or DC systems?
A: This formula applies to both DC and AC resistive loads. For AC systems with reactive components, additional factors need consideration.

Q5: What are typical power loss percentages in electrical systems?
A: Typically 2-5% in well-designed systems, but can be higher in long cable runs or undersized conductors.