Knowing the weight of a copper cable is important for electrical projects, transportation planning, costing, and installation work. Copper is heavy, and even small mistakes in weight calculation can affect material cost and handling.
A Copper Cable Weight Calculator helps you quickly find the cable weight using simple inputs like cable length and conductor size.
Why Calculate Copper Cable Weight?
Copper cable weight matters for:
- Electrical installations
- Cable tray and support design
- Transport and shipping cost
- Project material estimation
- Scrap and recycling value
Key Factors Affecting Copper Cable Weight
The weight of a copper cable mainly depends on:
- Cross-sectional area of the conductor
- Length of the cable
- Density of copper
- Number of cores (for multi-core cables)
Copper Density Used in Calculation
Standard density of copper:
This value is widely accepted and used in electrical calculations.
Copper Cable Weight Formula
Formula (Single Core)
Weight=Area×Length×Density
Formula Using Area in mm²
Since cable sizes are usually given in mm², we convert area to square meters.
Formula
Weight (kg)=1,000,000A×L×ρ
Where:
- A = Conductor area (mm²)
- L = Cable length (m)
- ρ = Copper density (kg/m³)
Formula for Multi-Core Copper Cable
If the cable has multiple cores:
Formula
Total Weight=Single Core Weight×Number of Cores
Example Calculation
Example
Calculate the weight of a 3-core copper cable with:
- Conductor size = 10 mm²
- Cable length = 50 m
- Copper density = 8960 kg/m³
Step 1: Single Core Weight Formula
Weight=1,000,00010×50×8960
Step 2: Calculate Value
Weight=4.48 kg
Step 3: Total Cable Weight (3 Cores)
Total Weight=4.48×3=13.44 kg
Final Example Result (Simple Words)
A 3-core copper cable, each core 10 mm² and 50 meters long, weighs approximately:
13.44 kg
FAQs – Copper Cable Weight
1. How do I calculate the weight of a copper cable?
You calculate copper cable weight using the conductor cross-sectional area, cable length, copper density, and number of cores.
The basic idea is:
Weight = Area × Length × Density
Most people use a calculator to avoid unit conversion mistakes.
2. What is the standard density of copper used for cable weight?
The standard density of copper is: 8960 kg/m³
This value is commonly used in electrical and engineering calculations worldwide.
3. Does cable insulation affect copper cable weight?
Yes, but only if you are calculating total cable weight.
If you are calculating copper weight only, insulation is not included.
For transport or tray load calculations, insulation weight should also be added separately.
4. Why is copper cable weight important?
Copper cable weight is important for:
- Material cost estimation
- Cable tray and support design
- Transportation and shipping planning
- Electrical project budgeting
- Scrap and recycling valuation
5. Is AWG size heavier than mm² for the same cable?
AWG and mm² are just different measurement systems.
If two cables have the same cross-sectional area, their copper weight will be the same, regardless of whether the size is given in AWG or mm².
6. How does the number of cores affect cable weight?
Each additional core adds more copper.
For multi-core cables, the total copper weight is:
Single-core weight × Number of cores
7. Does cable length change weight linearly?
Yes, If you double the cable length, the copper weight also doubles. Copper cable weight increases directly in proportion to length.
8. Can I use this calculator for aluminum cables?
No, This calculator is for copper only. Aluminum has a much lower density, so it requires a different formula and density value.
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