Wire Spacing Formula

ESTIMATING MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WIRES
To estimate the maximum number of wires that can be placed into a PAVE housing use the following formulas. The actual number of wires in an assembly will vary (more or less) based on the design requirements of your assembly. Check with PAVE engineering to verify the total number of wires. Wires of #14 AWG (1,85mm) or larger will require additional spacing between conductors. Check with factory.

  1. Calculate adjusted Housing Area (AreaH)
    AreaH = PI * ((Housing ID - m)^2 / 4)
  2. m=0.05" (1,27mm) if metal housing
    m=0.0"(0,0mm) if epoxy housing
    ID=Inside Diameter of Housing sealing area
    OD=Outside Diameter of unshielded wire and including any insulation
  3. Calculate adjusted Wire Area (AreaW)
    AreaW = (Wire OD + .05")^2
  4. Estimated Max Number of Wire (EMNW)
    EMNW = AreaH / AreaW

Example

The metal housing has a 1.0 inch ID and the wire has a .10" OD we get the following:

  1. AreaH = 3.1415 * ((1.0" - .05")^2 / 4) = .7088
  2. AreaW = (.10" + .05")^2 = .0225
  3. EMNW = .7088 / .0225 = 31.50

Approximately 31 wires will fit into the housing. Try it yourself for metal housings!

Housing Area       Wire Area