I'm not quite an electrician, but am trying to be inventive with my limited knowledge, and for my current project, I need to know what type of wire (available at Home Depot) will get the hottest when current passes through it. I'd assume its copper. Am I right? I'd also assume that the larger the diameter, the hotter it gets, am I right about this too?
2007-12-12 06:14:39 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Copper is standard, and correct.
The thinner the copper for a given current (amps), the hotter it will get. Thicker wire is intended to handle more current.
2007-12-12 06:18:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To do a comparison, the wires must be the same diameter & length.
A sensitive digital thermometer would be best when the wires are anywhere near the same size.
The higher resistance of the metal , the greater the heat.
A 12ga. aluminum wire will heat up more than a 12ga copper wire, a 12 ga gold wire would be the most conductive of the 3 & will heat up less than the copper wire.
A large gauge aluminum wire (10ga) will heat up less than a thin (24ga) copper wire w/ the same current passing through it.
A large diameter wire of any metal will heat up less than a thin diameter wire of the same metal with the same current (amps) applied
It might make it easier to find thinner gauges of wire in several types of metal since they all will show heating characteristics more easily w/ household current.
You could also demonstrate heating by using large & small diameter wires of the same metal.
Careful, the fine wires may flash & the big ones may blow a fuse in if you create a "short" in an unprotected AC circuit.
Consider putting a lightbulb in series w/ the test wires as well as a fuse & switch in an AC or DC circuit.
It should dim or brighten in response to the resistance of the test wire.
Best to check it out w/ your instructor.
2007-12-12 16:34:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The wire most commonly used is copper. The smaller gauge wire will get hotter (lets say a higher temperature since it really shouldn't get hot) than a larger gauge wire given that the same amperage and voltage is passed through it. Hence, the requirement for the thicker (larger gauge wire) for your Stove, Dryer and other 220 volt applications. In the cases of 110v the same holds true.
2007-12-12 14:37:34 · answer #3 · answered by Bad Brad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be very careful trying to be 'inventive` in this manner.
Thinner wires will heat up more with any given current,
but what you buy at Home Depot is not designed for
'heating up`.
The insulation is likely to fail at well below the boiling
point of water. (Ratings are 75 and 95 Deg, C.).
If you play with 'nichrome` wire, be aware that it gets
more than red hot and the only safe insulators are
mineral, (mica and ceramics).
Metal 'softens` as it's temperature rises, so a a freely
suspended wire will sag as it heats.
Play with something else untill you know enough to
keep you safe.
2007-12-13 15:38:46 · answer #4 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aluminum gets the hottest. Larger diameter wire usually stays cooler a lot depends the amount of current passed through it.
2007-12-15 22:46:17 · answer #5 · answered by petethen2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Copper is used because it does NOT heat up very much. Aluminum wire will get much hotter, which is why it is not used as household wiring any more. Wire that gets the hottest is tungsten. That's what the wire is in a toaster.
2007-12-12 14:24:08 · answer #6 · answered by Nick Name 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
U may want to go to an appliance parts or service store if u want a wire that heats up (resistance wire). Don't kno it it's sold by ft, but u could get small amounts by salvaging out of dead appliance.
Copper wire is intended NOT to heat up.
2007-12-12 14:28:41 · answer #7 · answered by stanly s 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nicrome wire will get white hot when you put current to it,
its used in heating elements, like toasters.
2007-12-12 14:56:20 · answer #8 · answered by William B 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋