The electron man
Senior Member
- Location
- Nyc
- Occupation
- Electrician
On old panels or wires that don't have the wire size on them what's the best way to tell what size wire it is ?
gauging wire size
- Thread starter The electron man
- Start date
- Status
ptonsparky
Tom
- Occupation
- EC - retired
Get an old electrician to look at it, but not always. I'm an example of not always.
You need to measure the diameter and do the math to calculate the area. The NEC has tables.
Eta: the bare conductor itself, not the insulation
marmathsen
Senior Member
- Location
- Seattle, Washington ...ish
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
I have a plastic dial mccrometer by general
marmathsen
Senior Member
- Location
- Seattle, Washington ...ish
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
I already ordered some plastic calipers after reading this comment. Thanks for the idea!
Rob G, Seattle
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Just realize that if you're measuring the insulation that different insulations on the same size conductor will have different diameters.
Joethemechanic
Senior Member
- Location
- Hazleton Pa
- Occupation
- Electro-Mechanical Technician. Industrial machinery
I used to have a round plastic thing with notches corresponding to AWG size. I can't remember where I got it, or what happened to it. I think it was a freebie from someone. I don't see why you couldn't make one. Basically a "Go-No Go" gauge. They were invented By Whitworth to eliminate production errors.
Yes that Whitworth
Yes that Whitworth
marmathsen
Senior Member
- Location
- Seattle, Washington ...ish
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
I found these yesterday when I was looking around online.
Inspection Gauges
Helpful tips. Watch these videos! http://www.inspectionwiregauges.com/videos.html
www.inspectionwiregauges.com
Rob G, Seattle
marmathsen
Senior Member
- Location
- Seattle, Washington ...ish
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Of course. Often there's a little bare exposed right next to the lug.
I picture making a little cheat sheet. Possibly adding dimensions of the insulation as well including older wiring.
Rob G, Seattle
- Status