How do I calculate power loss in electrical wiring?

Power loss in wires is primarily due to resistance heating, calculated using:

Power Loss = I² × R

Where:

• I = current flowing through the wire (A)
• R = resistance of the wire (Ω)

To find wire resistance: R = ρ × (L / A)

• ρ = resistivity of material (copper: 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m)
• L = length of wire (m)
• A = cross-sectional area (m²)

Practical example: A 100-meter copper wire (2mm diameter) carrying 10A:

• Area = π × (0.001)² = 3.14 × 10⁻⁶ m²
• R = 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ × (100 / 3.14 × 10⁻⁶) = 0.535Ω
• Power loss = 10² × 0.535 = 53.5W

Minimize power loss by:

• Using thicker wires (lower resistance)
• Reducing wire length
• Lowering current (use higher voltage)