Comprehensive AWG Table: Understanding Wire Gauge Specifications and Applications
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system is an industry-standard for measuring the diameter and cross-sectional area of electrical wire. It is widely used by electricians, engineers, and hobbyists to determine the appropriate wire size for various applications. This comprehensive table provides a detailed overview of AWG specifications, along with helpful information on wire properties and applications.
Understanding AWG Specifications
The AWG system is a logarithmic scale, meaning that each increment in gauge number corresponds to a proportionate decrease in wire diameter. The larger the gauge number, the smaller the wire diameter and the higher the resistance. Conversely, wires with smaller gauge numbers are thicker and have lower resistance.
AWG Table
| AWG Number |
Diameter (in) |
Cross-sectional Area (in²) |
Resistance per 1000 ft (Ω) |
| 0 |
0.3249 |
0.0829 |
0.0500 |
| 1 |
0.2893 |
0.0657 |
0.0630 |
| 2 |
0.2576 |
0.0519 |
0.0795 |
| 3 |
0.2294 |
0.0417 |
0.101 |
| 4 |
0.2043 |
0.0328 |
0.128 |
| 5 |
0.1819 |
0.0259 |
0.162 |
| 6 |
0.1620 |
0.0208 |
0.205 |
| 7 |
0.1443 |
0.0164 |
0.258 |
| 8 |
0.1285 |
0.0130 |
0.324 |
| 9 |
0.1144 |
0.0104 |
0.411 |
| 10 |
0.1019 |
0.00823 |
0.518 |
| 11 |
0.0907 |
0.00653 |
0.651 |
| 12 |
0.0808 |
0.00518 |
0.823 |
| 13 |
0.0720 |
0.00411 |
1.04 |
| 14 |
0.0641 |
0.00326 |
1.31 |
| 15 |
0.0571 |
0.00258 |
1.65 |
| 16 |
0.0508 |
0.00205 |
2.08 |
| 17 |
0.0453 |
0.00162 |
2.63 |
| 18 |
0.0403 |
0.00129 |
3.31 |
| 19 |
0.0359 |
0.00102 |
4.17 |
| 20 |
0.0320 |
0.000810 |
5.28 |
| 21 |
0.0285 |
0.000642 |
6.63 |
| 22 |
0.0253 |
0.000509 |
8.37 |
| 23 |
0.0226 |
0.000404 |
10.6 |
| 24 |
0.0201 |
0.000320 |
13.3 |
| 25 |
0.0179 |
0.000254 |
16.8 |
| 26 |
0.0159 |
0.000202 |
21.2 |
| 27 |
0.0142 |
0.000160 |
26.7 |
| 28 |
0.0126 |
0.000127 |
33.6 |
| 29 |
0.0113 |
0.000101 |
42.4 |
| 30 |
0.0100 |
0.0000800 |
53.5 |
| 31 |
0.00893 |
0.0000636 |
67.4 |
| 32 |
0.00800 |
0.0000506 |
85.0 |
| 33 |
0.00711 |
0.0000401 |
107 |
| 34 |
0.00630 |
0.0000317 |
135 |
| 35 |
0.00561 |
0.0000253 |
170 |
| 36 |
0.00500 |
0.0000201 |
215 |
| 37 |
0.00445 |
0.0000158 |
271 |
| 38 |
0.00400 |
0.0000126 |
341 |
| 39 |
0.00357 |
0.0000100 |
430 |
| 40 |
0.00315 |
0.00000795 |
543 |
Wire Properties
In addition to gauge size, other important wire properties to consider include:
-
Material: The most common materials used for electrical wire are copper, aluminum, and steel.
-
Insulation: Insulation is used to protect the wire from short circuits and other hazards. Common insulation materials include PVC, rubber, and nylon.
-
Stranding: Stranded wire is made up of multiple strands of wire twisted together, which makes it more flexible and easier to bend.
-
Amperage Capacity: The maximum current that a wire can safely carry depends on its gauge size, material, and insulation.
Applications
The AWG system is used in a wide range of electrical applications, including:
-
Power Distribution: AWG wires are used to distribute electricity from power sources to homes and businesses.
-
Automotive Wiring: AWG wires are used for a variety of electrical systems in automobiles, from lighting to engine control.
-
Electronics: AWG wires are used to connect components in electronic devices, such as computers and smartphones.
-
Industrial Equipment: AWG wires are used to power and control industrial machinery and equipment.
Effective Strategies for Selecting the Right Wire Size
Choosing the right wire size is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency in electrical systems. Here are some effective strategies:
-
Consider the Current Load: The current load is the amount of current that will flow through the wire. Use an ohmmeter to measure the current load, or consult the manufacturer's specifications.
-
Check the Wire Temperature Rating: Wires have a maximum temperature rating that they can safely operate at. Make sure the wire size you select has a temperature rating that is higher than the anticipated operating temperature.
-
Allow for Voltage Drop: Voltage drop occurs when current flows through a wire, causing a reduction in voltage at the end of the wire. Allow for voltage drop by selecting a wire size that is large enough to minimize voltage drop.
-
Consider the Installation Environment: The installation environment can affect the wire's performance. Factors to consider include temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure.
-
Use Wire Gauge Calculators: There are many online wire gauge calculators available that can assist in selecting the appropriate wire size for a given application.
How to Measure AWG Size
There are several methods to measure AWG size:
-
Micrometer: A micrometer is a precision measuring tool that can accurately measure the diameter of a wire.
-
AWG Wire Gauge: This specialized tool has a series of slots that correspond to different AWG sizes. Insert the wire into the slot that it fits snugly into to determine its gauge size.
-
Comparison Chart: There are printable AWG comparison charts available online or in electrical supply stores. Simply print out the chart and compare the wire's diameter to the AWG sizes on the chart.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between AWG and mm²?
AWG is a logarithmic scale, while mm² is a linear scale. This means that a smaller AWG number corresponds to a larger mm² size.
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