The AWG System
American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a logarithmic stepped standardized wire gauge system used in North America.
Higher Number = Thinner Wire
Counter-intuitively, the higher the AWG number, the thinner the wire.
- 12 AWG: Thick (Common for home outlets)
- 24 AWG: Thin (Common for data cables)
Metric Equivalents
- 12 AWG ≈ 3.31 mm²
- 14 AWG ≈ 2.08 mm²
- 16 AWG ≈ 1.31 mm²
Key Takeaways
- Using too thin a wire can cause fires
- Always check the ampacity rating
- EU standards use mm² directly