Power Loss Calculator
Calculate power dissipation in cables due to resistance. Important for efficiency analysis and thermal management.
Power Loss Calculator
Calculate I²R power dissipation in cables
Understanding Power Loss
How current and resistance affect power dissipation in cables.
The I²R Formula
Power loss equals current squared times resistance. Doubling current quadruples power loss.
Heat Generation
All power lost in cables is converted to heat. This can cause:
- • Insulation degradation
- • Reduced cable life
- • Fire hazard if excessive
Reducing Losses
Ways to minimize power loss:
- • Use larger wire gauge
- • Reduce cable length
- • Increase voltage (lower current)
Cost of Power Loss
Power loss directly affects operating costs. For example, 100W of continuous power loss at $0.12/kWh costs approximately $105/year. For high-current applications, upgrading to larger wire often pays for itself in energy savings.
Tip: Calculate total cost of ownership including energy waste when selecting wire gauge, especially for applications running continuously or at high current.
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