What size SWA do I have?

[LoveRocket]

Just a quick question - I have some 3-core SWA, each core has 7 stands, the diameter across the copper is about 4mm - what size do you reckon it is? (I know pi r squared doesn't work because it's stranded and I don't have a vernier to measure each stand)

Anyone care to hazard a guess?

I'd say 6mm^2, but I thought I would ask those who use this stuff all the time...

Many thanks.

 

[RF Lighting]

Dunno. Might be.

Is it not stamped onto the sheath of the cable?

 

[industryspark]

Ill guess at 10mm. Have you not got any lugs that you can try sliding on to confirm?

Regards

 

[ltheb]

Maybe take an offcut to your local B&Q and match it to one of their cut cables off the shelf?

 

[Steve]

Maybe take an offcut to your local B&Q and match it to one of their cut cables off the shelf?

Do B&Q sell SWA cut? AFAIK, they only have 10-20m drums shrinkwrapped. They may take offence if you start opening them up.

 

[Spark123]

2nd what RF says, SWA usually has the number of cores and the CSA on the outer sheath of the cable.

 

[ltheb]

Maybe take an offcut to your local B&Q and match it to one of their cut cables off the shelf?

Do B&Q sell SWA cut? AFAIK, they only have 10-20m drums shrinkwrapped. They may take offence if you start opening them up.

It was everso slightly tongue in cheek and I don't think they do much bigger than 2.5 or 4mm, but they do g/y earths and meter tails, that was all. There isn't room on a certificate for 'looks like 10mm!
PS I like AFAIK - hadn't seen this before