What are the different gauges of wire?
Table of Contents
What are the different gauges of wire?
Wire gauge refers to the physical size of the wire, rated with a numerical designation that runs opposite to the diameter of the conductors—in other words, the smaller the wire gauge number, the larger the wire diameter. Common sizes include 16-, 14-, 12-, 10-, 8-, 6-, and 2-gauge wire.
Which is thicker 12 gauge or 14 gauge wire?
Here’s a simple visual. Twelve gauge is about the thickness of a nickel, and 14-gauge is about the thickness of a dime. Also, look at the breaker for the circuit in question to see if it’s a 15-amp or a 20-amp breaker. A 20-amp circuit requires wire that’s 12-gauge or larger.
What is 12 gauge wire used for?
12-gauge are used in kitchen, bathroom, outdoor receptacles, and 120-volt air conditioners supporting 20 amps. 10-gauge are used in electric clothes dryers, 240-volt window air conditioners, electric water heaters supporting 30 amps.
When should I use 12 gauge vs 14 gauge?
12-gauge wire is the minimum requirement for outlets on a 20-amp circuit. 12-gauge wire can be used for outlets on both 15 and 20-amp circuits. 14-gauge wire is unsafe to use for outlets on a 20-amp circuit. 14-gauge wire can only be used for outlets on a 15-amp circuit.
Is a 16 or 18 gauge bigger?
Gauge is the standard unit of measure for sheet steel and wire products. The lower the number, the thicker the steel. Therefore, 16 gauge is thicker than 18 gauge steel.
What is thicker 12 gauge or 16 gauge wire?
The Larger the Number, the Smaller the Wire This is because the gauge size doesn’t refer to the wire’s actual diameter, but rather the number of times the wire was pulled through a die to make it smaller during the manufacturing process.
Which is better 12 gauge or 14 gauge?
The first thing to understand is the gauge system. Gauge is the measurement used to measure the thickness of steel. In the gauge system the higher the number the thinner the steel. As an example, 12 gauge steel is thicker and stronger than 14 gauge steel.
Which is thicker 10 or 12 gauge?
A door made from 10-gauge (. 135) steel is over twice as strong as one made from 12-gauge (. 106) steel even though it is only . 029 thicker (see Steel Strength Chart).
Which is thicker 12 gauge or 10 gauge?
What gauge wire is thickest?
Gauge Thickness chart & Information:
| Gauge -Thickness | Dimension inches thick | Dimension millimeters thick |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | .010 also known as 10 mil as it is 10/1000 inch thick | .25 mm 1/4 mm |
| 36 | .005 also known as 5 mil as it is 5/1000 inch thick | .125 mm 1/8 mm |
| 38 | .004 | .101 mm |
| 45-50 | .0014 .0007 |
What gauge wire is used in homes?
Wire Gauge The most common sizes you’ll find in residential work are 14-gauge and 12-gauge. Larger appliances such as electric stoves, electric water heaters, electric dryers and central air units will often use 10-, 8- or even 6-gauge wire.
Can you wire a house with 14 2 wire?
As long as the light is on a 15-amp circuit, you can use 14/2 wire to provide power to it. Just make sure the light itself requires no more than 15 amps. In many homes, 14/2 is the wire used for built-in lights. 14/2 wire can be safely used for lights wired to 15-amp circuits.
