Cable size explanation

[holmslaw]

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[echoes]

Since the [sup]2[/sup] BB code tags don't work on here, and the ² HTML tags only work on the wiki, have to use ALT + 0178 on the numeric keypad, (e.g. 6mm²) which is not easy to remember, or even know about.

 

[electronicsuk]

In the past few weeks there have been a number of diyers confused about cable sizes ie what does 6mm mean?

Made me think how many peope over the years have installed the wrong cable thinking that when we say 6mm we mean something other than 6 square millimeters.

I know this is me being a bit pedantic, but if we're going to bring this subject up then, as electricians, we should be using the right terminology ourselves. Six square millimetres is NOT the same as six millimetres squared, the latter being the typical way in which we quote the CSA of a cable. Six millimetres squared would, in fact, be 36 square millimetres. Or at least, that's the way I've always understood it, as a square millimetre would surely be a box of dimensions 1mm x 1mm, of which there would be 36 inside a box of 6mm x 6mm.

However, the rest of what you said I do agree with, but as I can never remember the alt code I just tend to write as 6mm^2 or spell it out.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Is it possible to use the squared symbol on here, if it is I think everybody should start using it.

You know it's possible, you've seen it countless times.

I doubt it would make much difference though - people who don't know what the size means when referring to cables are unlikely to twig if they see "6mm²" instead of "6mm".

I know thers an explanation in the wiki but seems most people don't look at the wiki.

Indeed they do not, and I wish there was a way to get people to look there first. I agree that it's not well structured, but even so...

I did suggest that this:

Wiki: Please see if the answer to your query is already covered by the Wiki

be changed to something like this:

Wiki: Please see if the answer to your query is already covered by the Wiki

but there was little enthusiasm for it.

Any good ideas you can suggest to Admin would be welcome.

Since the [sup]2[/sup] BB code tags don't work on here, and the ² HTML tags only work on the wiki, have to use ALT + 0178 on the numeric keypad, (e.g. 6mm²) which is not easy to remember, or even know about.

but as I can never remember the alt code I just tend to write as 6mm^2 or spell it out.

It's easier to start the Character Map and copy/paste from that.

Admin has been looking into better site provision for a while now...

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=212344

I know this is me being a bit pedantic, but if we're going to bring this subject up then, as electricians, we should be using the right terminology ourselves. Six square millimetres is NOT the same as six millimetres squared, the latter being the typical way in which we quote the CSA of a cable. Six millimetres squared would, in fact, be 36 square millimetres. Or at least, that's the way I've always understood it, as a square millimetre would surely be a box of dimensions 1mm x 1mm, of which there would be 36 inside a box of 6mm x 6mm.

If you're going to be pedantic, I suggest that it's much better to be pedantic and right than pedantic and wrong.

See 9.6 here: http://physics.nist.gov/Pubs/SP811/sec09.html

 

[lectriclegs]

surely if someone doesn't know what 6 mil cable is they shouldn't be installing it.all trades have slang / short names for equipment .i mean do you ask for a m 10channel nut or an 10 mil zeb. is it a four terminal click ceiling rose or an emergency greg.

 

[electronicsuk]

I know this is me being a bit pedantic, but if we're going to bring this subject up then, as electricians, we should be using the right terminology ourselves. Six square millimetres is NOT the same as six millimetres squared, the latter being the typical way in which we quote the CSA of a cable. Six millimetres squared would, in fact, be 36 square millimetres. Or at least, that's the way I've always understood it, as a square millimetre would surely be a box of dimensions 1mm x 1mm, of which there would be 36 inside a box of 6mm x 6mm.

If you're going to be pedantic, I suggest that it's much better to be pedantic and right than pedantic and wrong.

See 9.6 here: http://physics.nist.gov/Pubs/SP811/sec09.html

Haha, goes a long way to explain why i only got a C in maths. I'll go get the whip...

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You should be so lucky.

 

[holmslaw]

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[holmslaw]

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[ricicle]

Hold down Alt and type 0178. It only seems to work if you use the numerical keypad on the right of the keyboard

 

[davelx]

.. and it doesn't work in Linux - use the character palette. or the Character map, which also give you Ω etc.

 

[electronicsuk]

Haha, goes a long way to explain why i only got a C in maths. I'll go get the whip...

No need I've got one.

Damn. And I was hoping for the rather naughty looking piece in BAS's picture...

 

[seasickstevie]

²

I've done it

 

[holmslaw]

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[holmslaw]

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