It is generally known that wires are used to transfer current to a certain distance through less resistance when transferring current. In this case, it is very important to take into consideration the application when choosing the wire size. Simply put, the wire gauge is the measure of thickness or diameter of each strand of conductor in the wire. The wire gauge size that you should choose should be a more substantial one if you are going to be requiring a lot of power. The capacity of a wire is determined by its gauge. The Gauge of the wire is one of the factors on which the current carrying capacity and more importantly the ampacity of the cable is calculated. Here in this article we are going to read about the things that are important for us to know about gauges and what type of wire should opt.
Types of Wire Gauge
Standard Wire Gauge (SWG)
In order to determine the size of a cable, SWG is used. The wire gauge commonly used in India is the standard wire gauge (S.W.G.). The slots are marked with different numbers on each side of the slot. There are holes at the end of each slot that can be used for the purpose of removing wires sequentially.
American Wire Gauge (AWG)
In North America, American Wire Gauge (AWG) is the most common way of indicating wire size. When it comes to AWG, the larger the number, the smaller the diameter and thickness of the wire. Standard sizes range from 0000 AWG, which is the largest standard size, down to 40 AWG, which is the smallest standard size. The gauge of the wire may also be referred to as the Brown & Sharpe wire gauge or simply the gauge of the wire itself.
Wire Gauge
What are the benefits of using a proper wire gauge?
- Prevention from fire hazards
Wire gauges that are too small or too large can lead to heat resistance, which can lead to a fire hazard quite quickly. There is no doubt that each cable is designed to accommodate a specific amount of voltage, which makes it right for any kind of application it is designed for. In case you use a wire that is too small, the wire may end up melting due to the high currents that are flowing through it. So choose the wire that is appropriate and matches to your needs and uses.
- Avoid Damage
There are many appliances and electronic devices that can suffer extensive damage as a result of an inaccurate wire gauge. Whenever inadequate current flows through the circuits of an amplifier, for example, it could result in damage to the amplifier. It is also important to remember that if the wrong wire size is used, your amplifier may not receive the proper voltage that it needs to function properly. This is because the wrong wire size is used. As a result, you will not be able to get the finest sound quality out of your system.
What are Full Gauge and Under Gauge?
Term full gauge wire, refers to the type of wire that has the exact size gauge and specifications, which are guaranteed by the company. Taking Valuecon as an example, Valuecon specifies that their house wires come in 0.3 gauge with a nominal conductor area of 1.5 sq mm complied with the highly accredited IS 694 standards.
The under gauge wires, on the other hand, are the ones that claim to have a long list of specifications and other features, but in actuality, their products are not as good as they claim to be. The customers are misled somewhere by this. For instance, claiming to have a 0.3 mm gauge and IS 694 approved, but the product is fully opposite from their claims. To avoid these manufacturers, it is important to learn the measurement techniques of gauge.
How to Measure Wire Gauge
There’s a tool that is used to measure the gauge size of cable or wire. In this tool, wire-size numbers are stamped along each of the notches in round or oval shapes along their edges. They are available in round or oval shapes. In the range of 0.1mm to 10mm, this instrument is used to determine the thickness of sheet metal, which is in the range of 0.1mm to 10mm.
Following are the steps to measure the exact gauge size for according to your requirement.
- To begin with, we need to determine whether the gauge measurement tool supports AWG or MWG.
- The gauge wire ends should be clipped, and the wire should be exposed by cutting the boundary of the covering.
- The wire or sheet should be placed in the notch. The notch must be passed through once it has been inserted.
- Using the measurement tool, insert the exposed wire into a hole that is tight enough to fit it. Ensure that you do not place one of the wire filaments into an extremely small measurement hole.
- To determine the gauge of the wire, read the measurement on the tool outside the hole.
Wire Gauge Measurement Tool
Alternatively, you can buy vernier and Digital Calipers which are more precise but relatively more expensive. The use of these calipers is very easy and intuitive and these come with a handy user guide that you can refer to.
Vernier Caliper
How to choose the right Electrical Gauge?
- The 18-gauge is ideal for lamp cords rated at 10 amps and other light fixtures requiring low voltage.
- Lighting circuits with 15 amps are designed with 14-gauge cables.
- Extension cords supporting 13 amps should be 16 gauge.
- The 12-gauge wire can be used in the bathroom, kitchen, outdoor receptacles, and 120-volt AC outlets up to 20 amps.
- In electric clothes dryers, water heaters with a 30-amp rating, and air conditioners with 240-volt arrangements, 10-gauge wire is commonly used.
- When using a 6-gauge wire, you should use it in conjunction with a cooktop or range that carries 40-50 amps.
- For electric heaters with 60 amps of protection, 4-gauge is used
Why Choose Valuecon?
Valuecon is a dedicated wires & cables manufacturer, certified by ISO 9001:2015, RDSO, and CE. We provide a comprehensive range of over 40 types of cables across power, control, and instrumentation; with a custom cable solutions division that caters to the client's unique needs.
Valuecon Guarantees Full Gauge
Valuecon never plays games with its customers. Unlike other manufacturers, Valuecon never leads a Misselling campaign. All statements and guarantees made by Valuecon are true. Valuecon wires and cables comply with full gauge, which means the exact size gauge and specifications, which are guaranteed. For instance house wires come in 0.3 gauge with a nominal conductor area of 1.5 sq mm complied with the highly accredited IS 694 standards.
No cost cutting, No Misselling & No Gimmicks. Valuecon offers Guaranteed Full Gauge Wires and Cables at unbeatable prices. Contact Us!
