Electrical wire gauge is one of the most important aspects of selecting the right wire for the job. Qualified according to AWG, or American Wire Gauge, gauge is basically the diameter of the wire or cable.

This short post will break down some common wires by AWG size as well as what they are used for.

What Is American Wire Gauge (AWG)

American Wire Gauge is a system commonly used in North America which gives the diameter of a wire. One important note regarding AWG is that it is an inversely proportional scale, so a larger number corresponds to a smaller wire.

The following are among the most common American wire gauges as well as what they are used for.

18 AWG and Smaller

At .040” in diameter, 18 AWG wire is one of the smallest sizes commonly encountered, although thinner wires are also sometimes used like it in circuits for doorbells, thermostats, and alarm systems, such as fire alarm systems.

14 AWG

Slightly thicker than 18 AWG wire, 14 AWG wire is .064” in diameter and since it is larger it can be used for slightly higher current or voltage applications. It is commonly used for standard residential applications like outlet wiring, lighting, and general residential wiring.

12 AWG

Another step up from 14 AWG, 12 AWG, at .081”, has a higher ampacity than 14 AWG wires is used for similar applications to 14 AWG wire, but those requiring slightly higher voltage and amp ratings.

10 AWG

At .102” inches, 10 AWG wire is used for even higher voltage and ampacity circuits. It is commonly used for small appliances such as window air conditioner units and small electric ovens.

8 AWG and 6 AWG

Both 8 AWG (.129”) and 6 AWG wire (.162”) are among the biggest wires you will commonly encounter in a domestic residence. They are used for larger circuits responsible for powering somewhat larger appliances, such as central air conditioning systems and electric ranges.

4 AWG and Larger

Anything larger than 6 AWG wire is only rarely encountered around a home and these larger wires are generally reserved for higher voltage and ampacity applications. For instance, 4 AWG wire (.204”) and larger wires are used in industrial and commercial applications for equipment and service feeds.

A Note on What Makes “Appropriate” Gauge

A thinner diameter wire is less capable of handling a higher voltage and current than a thicker wire, which can do so safely without the risk of overheating, and without a higher risk of electrical shock.

Conductor Count

However, it is also important to note that as the diameter of a wire increases, so too do the weight and the stiffness of the wire.

Therefore, as a wire increases in thickness, the higher the likelihood is that it will be made with a higher conductor count. The use of a larger number of more finely stranded conductors helps keep a wire more flexible and less likely to break when it is bent numerous times.

Hence, specialty cables, such as battery cable and solar panel cable, as well as thicker wires, are usually made with a larger conductor count.

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