ITTSB.EU Blog Forum
AC or DC Electrical Energy related topics => AC Power Measurement of appliances & Technical discussion => Topic started by: Kiriakos GR on December 24, 2025, 06:14:07 PM
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Today I did discover a new word and this is Ampacity :)
I have recently a rare find, twelve meters of thick super flexible cable, Greek production of 80s.
The cable has RED insulation, 5.6mm external insulation diameter.
The conductor specification "85/0.33" mm defines a stranded cable consisting of 85 individual copper strands, each having a diameter of 0.33 mm.
Core Technical Data Total Conductor Area: ~7.27 mm²
Conductor Diameter: ~3.8 mm to 4.1 mm (bundle diameter without insulation).
My cable this has only one information over the insulation, and this is FULGOR ATHENS.
I started using web search so to identify the cable.
But I could not find much of help, as this cable were produced at an era that cable specifications were printed at carton tag, and not over the insulation.
I got passionate with it, because this is 99% clear copper, and super flexible. ;)
AI did something useful for me, it calculated this wire specifications.
Its a rare find Equivalent Gauge: Approximately 8 AWG to 9 AWG (American Wire Gauge).
And then I also received the ... Performance Ratings Current Carrying Capacity (Ampacity):Automotive/DC:
Typically rated between 50 Amps and 65 Amps for general-purpose high-current wiring.
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Ampacity is the maximum electrical current (in amperes) a conductor, like a wire, can carry continuously without overheating and damaging its insulation.
It's crucial for electrical safety and depends on factors like wire material, size (gauge), insulation type, and the surrounding environment (ambient temperature, installation method), requiring careful calculation to prevent fires and failures, often guided by electrical codes
I did try hard, so to bring in my memory any Greek equivalent term for Ampacity (due our Hellenic education), and there is not any. :P
The term was formally adopted and defined by the United States National Electrical Codes to standardize the "current-carrying capacity" of conductors
Ans so this mystery were solved, we at the other side of the pond, we are justified not be aware of Ampacity ;D
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current-carrying capacities based on IEC 60364-5-52 Ed.3, this is a better standing description at our times. :)
Merry Christmas Mate !!
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It might be a good thing after all, that we do not have Americans as registered members.
Who knows of what other terms they have cook according to their own taste. ;D