Overall length of a V-belt is specified in which measurement?

The overall length of a V-belt is specified using the pitch diameter measurement. This is crucial because the pitch diameter represents the effective diameter at which the belt interacts with the pulley. It is essentially the diameter that the belt's power transmission occurs around, allowing for accurate determination of the belt's length needed for proper operation.

Using the pitch diameter allows engineers and technicians to calculate the right length of a V-belt needed for any given application, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency in power transmission systems. The pitch diameter directly correlates with the belt's engagement with the pulleys, making it an essential factor in designing and selecting V-belts for various machines. Hence, specifying the overall length based on pitch diameter is standard practice in the industry.