Metrology Glossary: American Wire Gauge (AWG)
What Is The American Wire Gauge (AWG)?
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) stands as a standardized system in North America for indicating the diameter of electrically conducting wires. Primarily used in North America, this system employs higher AWG numbers to signify smaller wire diameters and thicknesses. The smallest AWG value is 40, while the largest is 0000 (4/0). Notably, the AWG system follows a logarithmic scale, where each decrease in AWG number corresponds to a twofold increase in the wire’s cross-sectional area. For instance, a 20 AWG wire possesses half the cross-sectional area of a 19 AWG wire, and similarly, an 18 AWG wire has half the cross-sectional area of a 17 AWG wire.
What Is The American Wire Gauge (AWG) Used For?
American Wire Gauge (AWG) serves as a versatile tool with many applications. In electrical engineering, it aids in determining the appropriate wire size for specific electrical loads based on current rating and heat dissipation considerations. AWG plays a crucial role in minimizing voltage drop within circuits by selecting wires with suitable cross-sectional areas. AWG is used for circuit design and construction in specifying the correct wire size for components such as transformers and motors, contributing to system efficiency. Moreover, AWG ensures compliance with safety regulations by adhering to codes that dictate minimum allowable wire sizes based on voltage, current, and installation conditions. In medical applications, AWG assists in determining the right wire size for medical-grade cables, ensuring the reliability and safety of equipment. Additionally, in mechanical engineering AWG aids in the selection of wires tailored for specific applications, considering mechanical properties such as strength and flexibility.
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May 5, 2020
