1. What Is Copper Cable Resistance?

Electrical resistance in copper cables is the opposition to the flow of electric current through the conductor. Copper is widely used due to its excellent conductivity and relatively low resistivity of approximately 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental resistance formula:

Where:

• \( R \) — Electrical resistance (Ω)
• \( \rho \) — Resistivity of the material (Ω·m)
• \( L \) — Length of the conductor (m)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of the conductor (m²)

Explanation: Resistance increases with length and decreases with cross-sectional area. The resistivity is a material property that quantifies how strongly a material opposes electric current flow.

3. Importance Of Resistance Calculation

Details: Accurate resistance calculation is crucial for electrical system design, voltage drop analysis, power loss estimation, and ensuring proper cable sizing for safety and efficiency in electrical installations.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter length in meters, cross-sectional area in square meters, and resistivity in ohm-meters. For copper, the default resistivity is 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What Is The Resistivity Of Copper?
A: Pure copper at 20°C has a resistivity of approximately 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m, though this value increases with temperature.

Q2: How Does Temperature Affect Resistance?
A: Resistance increases with temperature due to increased atomic vibrations that impede electron flow. The temperature coefficient for copper is about 0.00393 per °C.

Q3: What Are Typical Resistance Values For Copper Cables?
A: For standard household wiring (2.5mm²), resistance is approximately 0.0075 Ω/m. Larger cables have lower resistance per unit length.

Q4: Why Is Copper Preferred For Electrical Conductors?
A: Copper offers excellent electrical conductivity, good mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and is readily available, making it ideal for most electrical applications.

Q5: How Does Cable Stranding Affect Resistance?
A: Stranded cables have slightly higher resistance than solid cables of the same cross-sectional area due to the air gaps between strands and longer current paths.