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Having no knowledge of electricals, I am interested in learning the applications of Nichrome.

I understand it has swg ratings. But what I am looking for is a formula that can calculate a particular thing if other certain inputs are provided.

Like the V = I/R triangle, is there a formula for Nichrome containing the following propreties:

Voltage, Amperage, Temperature of Nichrome, Length of Nichrome wire and Rating of Nichrome wire (swg) - I believe these are all the variables applicable, please correct me if I am wrong.

Example 1: So for instance, if I input the Temperature of the Nichrome I want to achieve, say 50C celius, the length of the Nichrome wire to be 2 Inches and the 32 swg rating, using these, can the formula calculate the voltage and amperage requirements?

Example 2: Using the inputs, voltage, amperage, length of wire and swg rating, can it calculate the temperature?

Thanks

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  • \$\begingroup\$ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichrome \$\endgroup\$
    – JIm Dearden
    Commented Feb 2, 2015 at 20:07
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks @JImDearden. I did read that but I needed a more subjective answer to my question hence the post (sorry). \$\endgroup\$
    – KickAss
    Commented Feb 2, 2015 at 20:09

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The nichrome wire is essentially a resistor. It varies its resistance slightly over temperature, but the basic idea is it's just a resistor dissipating power. It's nothing magical, just conservation of energy. A vast majority of the electrical energy being dissipated by the nichrome wire will be as heat.

This site gives a tabulated chart for relating size of the nichrome, temperature, and amperage required.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Thank you. Does Voltage not play a part in the chart? \$\endgroup\$
    – KickAss
    Commented Feb 2, 2015 at 20:07
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    \$\begingroup\$ @KickAss It certainly plays a part, but is not listed, current is usually the limiting factor for power supplies. Relate the sizes on the amperage chart with the resistance chart, use Ohm's law to find the approximate voltage to get the listed current. \$\endgroup\$
    – Samuel
    Commented Feb 2, 2015 at 20:11
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    \$\begingroup\$ @kickass keep in mind this tables have reference of 110V. In case that you have no knowledge of basic electricals in theory and practice, I suggest to refrain from circuits that involves heat and high voltage \$\endgroup\$
    – GR Tech
    Commented Feb 2, 2015 at 20:16
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    \$\begingroup\$ The temperature reached by any heating element depends considerably on its environment. If it is in a closed insulated box, it will get much hotter than if it is in the open, with a fan blowing air past it. \$\endgroup\$
    – Peter Bennett
    Commented Feb 2, 2015 at 20:24
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    \$\begingroup\$ @PeterBennett Since he deside a final temperature, means that he makes a basic thermal calculation. \$\endgroup\$
    – GR Tech
    Commented Feb 2, 2015 at 20:27

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