1. What is Copper Wire Resistance?

Copper wire resistance refers to the opposition that copper conductors present to the flow of electric current. It depends on the wire's physical dimensions and the resistivity of copper material.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the resistance formula:

Where:

• \( R \) — Electrical resistance (Ω)
• \( \rho \) — Resistivity of copper (1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m)
• \( L \) — Length of wire (meters)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (m²)

Explanation: The resistance increases with wire length and decreases with cross-sectional area, following the fundamental relationship defined by material resistivity.

3. Importance of Wire Resistance Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wire length in meters, cross-sectional area in square meters, and resistivity in Ω·m. Copper resistivity is pre-filled as 1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m. All values must be positive.

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.

Q2: How does temperature affect copper resistance?
A: Copper resistance increases with temperature due to positive temperature coefficient (approximately 0.00393 per °C).

Q3: What are common wire cross-sectional areas?
A: Common AWG sizes: 10 AWG = 5.26 mm², 14 AWG = 2.08 mm², 18 AWG = 0.823 mm².

Q4: Why is copper preferred for electrical wiring?
A: Copper offers excellent conductivity, ductility, corrosion resistance, and is readily available, making it ideal for electrical applications.

Q5: How to convert diameter to cross-sectional area?
A: Use the formula \( A = \pi \times (d/2)^2 \) where d is the diameter in meters.