1. What is Low Impedance Cable Loss?

Power loss in low impedance cables refers to the energy dissipated as heat due to the resistance of the cable when current flows through it. This is particularly important in systems where power efficiency is critical.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power loss formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( R \) — Resistance per meter in ohms (Ω/m)
• \( \text{Length} \) — Length of cable in meters (m)

Explanation: The power loss increases with the square of the current, directly with resistance, and directly with cable length.

3. Importance of Power Loss Calculation

Details: Calculating power loss is crucial for designing efficient power distribution systems, selecting appropriate cable sizes, and minimizing energy waste.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does power loss increase with the square of current?
A: Because power loss is proportional to I²R, doubling the current quadruples the power loss.

Q2: How can I reduce power loss in cables?
A: Use cables with lower resistance (thicker or better conducting material), reduce current (higher voltage systems), or minimize cable length.

Q3: What's considered an acceptable power loss?
A: Typically 1-3% of total power is acceptable for most applications, but this depends on specific requirements.

Q4: Does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Yes, resistance increases with temperature, which would increase power loss. This calculator uses resistance at a specific temperature.

Q5: Can this be used for AC systems?
A: For AC systems, you would need to consider additional factors like skin effect and reactance, which aren't accounted for in this simple DC calculation.