A Quick Guide To American Wire Gauge (AWG)

When it comes to choosing the right wire for your project, the options can be overwhelming. With so many types of wire and a range of AWG sizes, how do you know which one is right for you? This article will explain what you need to know about American Wire Gauge (AWG) and how to choose the right wire for your needs. By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert on AWG!

What is an American Wire Gauge? 

American wire gauge (AWG) is a standardized system for measuring the diameter of Non-ferrous metals, electrically conducting wire. The larger the AWG number, the smaller the diameter of the wire. 

This relationship is important because it allows for the accurate prediction of the voltage drop across a given length of the conductor. American wire gauge is used in North America and other parts of the world and is also known as the Brown & Sharp (B&S) gauge in Europe. Because AWG is a logarithmic scale, there is a mathematical relationship between adjacent sizes. 

For example, a copper wire with a diameter of 0.03937 inches (1 millimeter) is an AWG 20, while a copper wire with a diameter of 0.03181 inches (0.811 millimeters) is an AWG 22. As you can see, each increase in one AWG number corresponds to a decrease in diameter by approximately 10 percent.

How is American Wire Gauge Used? 

People often use AWG when choosing electrical wiring for their homes or businesses. Electricians also use it to ensure that the correct size wire is used for a particular application. 

For example, using a wire with a lower AWG rating than what is required can cause problems such as overheating and fires. This is because the wire will have to carry more current than it is rated for, leading to increased resistance and heat build-up. In extreme cases, this can cause the wire to catch fire. Therefore, using the thickest wire possible when wiring an electrical system is always best.

While using a wire with a higher AWG rating may save on costs initially, it can decrease efficiency and increase costs in the long run. Thinner wires have more resistance to electrical current, which can cause heat build-up and energy loss. In addition, thinner wires are more susceptible to damage and breakage. Therefore, understanding and using American Wire Gauge can be extremely important when working with electrical wiring.

Why is American Wire Gauge Important? 

AWG is important because it allows for the consistent manufacture of electrical cable and other products and makes it easy for consumers and businesses to select the correct wire for their needs. In addition, AWG is a critical factor in determining the electrical resistance of a given wire. 

As such, it is an essential tool for electricians and others who work with electrical systems. With its long history and well-established reputation, American Wire Gauge remains an essential tool for anyone who works with electrical wire.

So there you have everything you need to know about American Wire Gauge in one quick guide. Now that you understand the basics of AWG, you’ll be able to choose the right wire for your next project with ease. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need help finding the right product for your application. We’re always happy to assist!