Kanthal gauge test

[genoxy]

I have heaps of unlabeled Kanthal wire and have no idea what gauge it is...

Is there some way to figure it out? Maybe using a multimeter?

Thanks

 

[DuffTime]

You totally could use a multimeter. Measure the internal resistance of your multimeter. Then pick a 1 foot length of your wire, and put the leads at each end. Theres no need to cut the wire, just unthread one foot off the spool.

 

[genoxy]

You totally could use a multimeter. Measure the internal resistance of your multimeter. Then pick a 1 foot length of your wire, and put the leads at each end. Theres no need to cut the wire, just unthread one foot off the spool.

And check the ohm reading? right?

 

[DuffTime]

Yes. Turn your multimeter to ohms. First, touch your two leads together. Remember that number, as its the internal resistance of your meter. Any resistance measurement you take will need that number subtracted from it.

Then, take a one foot length of your wire, and put one lead on each end. Doesn't matter which goes where. Take the resistance you get and subtract the first number you got. The result is the resistance of one foot of wire.

Then just google kanthal/nichrome resistance per foot and match up the number. Boom! Now you know.

 

[genoxy]

Yes. Turn your multimeter to ohms. First, touch your two leads together. Remember that number, as its the internal resistance of your meter. Any resistance measurement you take will need that number subtracted from it.

Then, take a one foot length of your wire, and put one lead on each end. Doesn't matter which goes where. Take the resistance you get and subtract the first number you got. The result is the resistance of one foot of wire.

Then just google kanthal/nichrome resistance per foot and match up the number. Boom! Now you know.

Fantastic! thanks mate