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Forum Measure the length of a wire, electrically

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Measure the length of a wire, electrically

Catwell over 13 years ago

This is probably old news, but is there a way to measure the length of a wire electrically?

This is a wire strung along the inside of a warehouse wall.

I could have access to either end.

I am picturing some sort of ping time test done at one end.

Let me know if you have any ideas.

Cabe

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DAB over 13 years ago +1

Hi Cabe, You could measure the resistance, but you would need access to both ends of the wire. If you have a good building ground and regulated power supply, you could measure the voltage drop from one…

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codewhiz over 13 years ago

I found this on the web:
http://www.directindustry.com/prod/caltek-industrial/cable-length-measuring-devices-50655-349248.html

I also believe that it uses the same concept with what DAB is suggesting. I guess it uses t=RC and R=pL/A formulas to compute for the cable length. If you're planning to build the same meter, I guess you'll need to consider how the calibration will be made and also how to compensate for the resistivity of the material based on the ambient temperature.

For this meter, they just consider 2 types of material which is copper and aluminum. I guess it's justifiable since common electrical wires are usually made of copper.

My two cents,
- Ren
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codewhiz over 13 years ago

I found this on the web:
http://www.directindustry.com/prod/caltek-industrial/cable-length-measuring-devices-50655-349248.html

I also believe that it uses the same concept with what DAB is suggesting. I guess it uses t=RC and R=pL/A formulas to compute for the cable length. If you're planning to build the same meter, I guess you'll need to consider how the calibration will be made and also how to compensate for the resistivity of the material based on the ambient temperature.

For this meter, they just consider 2 types of material which is copper and aluminum. I guess it's justifiable since common electrical wires are usually made of copper.

My two cents,
- Ren
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

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