Wire Gauges Explained

The thicker the wire the lower the gauge number & the thinner the wire the higher the gauge number or AWG. For example, a 12 AWG is thicker than an 18 AWG wire. The most common audio speaker wires are 12 Gauge, 14 Gauge, 16 Gauge, and 18 Gauge.

How do I choose wire gauge?

To determine what gauge wire you need, consider the carrying capacity and the amount of current the wire needs to conduct (measured in amperage or amps). Wire gauge is directly related to how many amps you need to run through it. The distance you need the wire to go can also impact the gauge of wire you need.

What are 22 gauge wires used for?

Abrasion Resistance Wire: 22-gauge wire that is used in applications where there will be a lot of cable pulling over rough surfaces. Radiation Resistance Wire: Believe it or not, there are nuclear applications for 22-gauge wire, and the insulation jacket around it is designed to resist radiation damage.

Is 20 or 22 gauge wire thicker?

20 gauge is thicker wire than 22 gauge. Thick enough to be bold, but still easy to slip through your piercing.

What happens if wire gauge is too big?

If a wire gauge is “too big” then it is a lot more expensive and is harder to bend, as well as more difficult to attach with wire nuts or to switches. Other than that, not much of anything.

Which wire is best for home use?

Best house wire company in India:

• 1) Havells Wires. You can use Havells wires in your wiring system for sure.
• 2) Polycab Wires. You can even use Polycab wires in your space for better electrical supply. ...
• 3) Finolex Wires. This is the highest-quality electric wire available for residential wiring. ...
• 4) Syska Wires. ...
• 5) RR Wires.

Which is bigger 6 AWG or 8 AWG?

As you can see, 6 AWG wire is bigger than 8 AWG wire. In the AWG wire size scale, the smaller the AWG number, the thicker the wire.

Can you mix 12 gauge and 14 gauge wire on a 15 amp circuit?

For most of the United States the answer is “NO”. You can use either or with a 15 ampere breaker but not both in the same circuit. In some cases you must use 12 AWG if the run is long enough to require it to limit voltage drop.

Can I use 14 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit?

NO. 14 gauge is prohibited from use in any section of a 20 amp circuit. You need to use 12 gauge wire for 20 amp circuits. This is for safety reasons.

Which is bigger 22 AWG or 24 AWG?

The 22 AWG is "bigger" than the 24 by . 0253/. 0201, or a factor of 1.259.

What is 26-gauge wire used for?

26-gauge wire is popular for wire weaving and Viking knit, and can be used like stiff sewing thread, to "stitch" beads onto leather bracelets or metal blanks. It's a popular size of wire to use with pearls and tiny gemstone beads, which normally have smaller holes than other beads.

What is 24 AWG wire used for?

So, 24AWG cable is ideal for long runs with more potential damage, because it comes with stronger conductors with lower attenuation, while 28AWG slim cable would be more suitable to enable higher density layouts and make it easier for cable management since it helps save space and optimize airflow.

How many amps can 22 AWG wire carry?

The 22 AWG has a 7 amps maximum rating regardless of the voltage application. So with the 12 volts source you can have load up to 7 amps.

Is higher or lower gauge better?

In general, a lower AWG number is better than higher AWG. AWG is of primary importance for wires that will carry electrical power -- for example, home or business electrical wiring, extension cords or high-power wire in automotive or audio use.

What is 20 AWG wire used for?

The 20 AWG Hook Up Wire is available from Remington Industries in both solid core and stranded types. As part of the lead wire family, hook up wire is used in applications such as control panels, meters, ovens, and internal wiring of computers.

Is it OK to use heavier gauge wire?

You can always use a larger gauge than is required However if you want to use #12, #8, 4/0 whatever, as long as your wiring methods are proper.

Is it OK to mix wire gauges?

You can safely go from a thinner gauge wire to a thicker gauge, as long as the breaker current does not exceed the rating of the thinner wire. If you need to go from a thicker wire to a thinner, then you will need a breaker fitted at the joint at the rating of the thinner wire. The same applies to connectors.

What happens if wire gauge is too small?

Using a wrong wire gauge leads to heat resistance, which can quickly turn into a fire hazard. Notably, each cable is designed to accommodate a specific amount of voltage ideal for a given application. If you use an inappropriately sized wire, it may end up melting due to the high amounts of flowing current.

What are the 3 types of wires?

Three types of wire used are :

• live wire ( Red colour)
• neutral wire(Black colour)
• earth wire (Green colour)

What type of wiring is used in new homes?

NM is the most common type of wiring in modern homes. It consists of two or more individual wires wrapped inside a protective plastic sheathing. NM cable usually contains one or more “hot” (current-carrying) wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire.