thin wires increase electricity consumption?

[Kyle Taylor]

Hi,

Is it true that if you use thinner electrical wires (less than
the requirements), the electrical consumption would increase??
If not, what is the side effect?

Pls. let me know other groups that can answer this because I
need to spend a lot if I have to replace all my wires with
thicker ones. I run a shop with 10 Horsepower aircon and over 60
computers.

Thanks.

Kyle

 

[Mark Little]

As with most answers, the answer is "It depends".

Thinner wires will have a higher resistance and this will increase the power
lost in the wire. The increase power lost in the wire will raise its
temperature. If the cable is not rated for this higher temperature, you can
get a meltdown and/or fire.

This is usually more important than overall power consumption. Having higher
resistance in the cables will actually decrease overall power consumption,
since the total resistance of the circuit is higher. However in extreme
cases, this can decrease the amount of power that can be supplied to
equipment at the distant end of the cable, causing malfunction or damage.

If you need to replace existing wiring and you are worried about the cost,
an electrician should be able to tell you the minimum statuatory
requirements for your area. Not following these regualtions can void your
insurance and this would certainly cost you a bundle if the thinner cable
caused a fire.

regards,
Mark

"Kyle Taylor" <kyletaylorny@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:cbc689e8.0402120115.2ce77988@posting.google.com...

Hi,

Is it true that if you use thinner electrical wires (less than
the requirements), the electrical consumption would increase??
If not, what is the side effect?

Pls. let me know other groups that can answer this because I
need to spend a lot if I have to replace all my wires with
thicker ones. I run a shop with 10 Horsepower aircon and over 60
computers.

Thanks.

Kyle

 

[Roy McCammon]

Mark Little wrote:

As with most answers, the answer is "It depends".

Thinner wires will have a higher resistance and this will increase the power
lost in the wire. The increase power lost in the wire will raise its
temperature. If the cable is not rated for this higher temperature, you can
get a meltdown and/or fire.

This is usually more important than overall power consumption. Having higher
resistance in the cables will actually decrease overall power consumption,
since the total resistance of the circuit is higher.

Probably not.
Anything with a switched mode power supply like a computer will simply
draw more current to make up the loss. Things like air compressors or
air-conditioners will have to operate longer.


--
local optimization seldom leads to global optimization

my e-mail address is: <my first name> <my last name> AT mmm DOT com

 

[Jamie]

the problem is inductive loads mainly.
things like motors etc..
on sync motors its not good for them to
not have sufficient voltage to produce the
current needed to archive full or near full
RPM's , the results is the motor starts to fade
into slip state and thus can cause the motor
to heat more and draw more current than you would
expect. this can cost more in energy and the items
may not work to their top performance.
Items like refrigeration units (ice boxes, Air etc.).
have a harder time to start thus causes longer line lags
on start up and do not operate as efficiently thus running longer
and also the compressors get hotter due to same type of problem as
explained at the top..
so in short having low voltage at the location is bad enough , having
small gauge conductors just adds to it thus you have the heating
issue's of the wires in the raceways...
the above was a layman's term of explanation , i am sure others could
rip it apart to the point that you wouldn't even understand what they
are talking about.



Kyle Taylor wrote:

Hi,

Is it true that if you use thinner electrical wires (less than
the requirements), the electrical consumption would increase??
If not, what is the side effect?

Pls. let me know other groups that can answer this because I
need to spend a lot if I have to replace all my wires with
thicker ones. I run a shop with 10 Horsepower aircon and over 60
computers.

Thanks.

Kyle

 

[w_tom]

Jamie has provided the only answer that approaches technical
accuracy. Notice that your question is dependent on the
load. As Jamie notes, a voltage drop to motors may cause that
motor to draw more current - eventually causing motor burn
out. Important to have properly sized wires for motors (and
that may mean even heavier wires if distance is longer).

A motor load is completely different from a light bulb load
which is also different from a power supply load. Because
Jamie is answering about a motor load, then take extra time to
study what he writes.

Kyle Taylor wrote:

Is it true that if you use thinner electrical wires (less than
the requirements), the electrical consumption would increase??
If not, what is the side effect?

Pls. let me know other groups that can answer this because I
need to spend a lot if I have to replace all my wires with
thicker ones. I run a shop with 10 Horsepower aircon and over 60
computers.