American Wire Gauge Standard
American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a system of labeling electrical conductors that is widely used in the United States. It is also referred to as the Brown & Sharpe (B&S) gauge, although that term is ambiguous. AWG assigns a gauge number to each size of conduit or wire. The standard assigns a number to a diameter with a higher number indicating a smaller diameter.
AWG sizes are commonly used in the US for electrical conduit and cabling. The larger the AWG the thinner the wire and the fewer the number of strands. Thinner wires have smaller conductivity, meaning that higher gauge numbers have higher resistance and thus, lower amp ratings.
It is important to note that AWG is used mainly for electrical wiring in buildings and other structures and not for automotive wiring. Automotive wiring typically uses the American Wire Gauge (METRIC) System (also called SAE wire) for its metric sizes.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer as to the exact AWG size needed for any given application, there are some general guidelines to follow. For example, general purpose outgoing wiring should use 18-14 AWG, while those running higher amp currents should use 10-8 AWG. Ground wires should be 10-8 AWG while speaker wiring should be 14-12 AWG.
AWG sizes are specified by the National Electrical Code (NEC). In addition, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provides specifications for bare and insulated electrical conductors based on the AWG size.
The wire diameter used for making AWG is considered to be 0.34 mm for copper and 0.36 mm for aluminum. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter and the thinner the wire. In general, wires with a lower AWG number are larger and can safely pass higher amounts of amperage.
When ordering wire, it is important to check that the correct gauge and type are being used. Wire is treated differently depending on the application, such as residential or commercial, so be sure to know the purpose of the wire you are ordering. Additionally, if you are using the wire for electrical purposes, ask an electrician what gauge and type of wire is suitable for your application.
In conclusion, American Wire Gauge (AWG) is an important system of labeling electrical conductors and is widely used in the US. Knowing the correct AWG size and type of wire to use for a specific application is paramount for maintaining safety. While there are general guidelines as to what size should be used for a given application, it is important to consult with an electrician to ensure your specific needs are met.
