What is the meaning of AWG for American mains cables and how can this be converted into the cross-section in mm²?

In the world of cables and adapters, there are various standards and norms that determine quality and performance. One of the best known standards in the USA is the AWG (American Wire Gauge). But why do American cable manufacturers use AWG instead of the actual cross-section in mm², and what does this mean for you?

Meaning of AWG

AWG stands for American Wire Gauge and is a standardised system for measuring the diameter of electrical conductors. It is primarily used in North America and is widely used in the electrical industry. AWG is a logarithmic measurement, which means that a change of one AWG number corresponds to an exponential change in the conductor area. This allows cables to be precisely specified for different applications.

Advantages of AWG labelling

The advantage of the AWG system is that it is a standardised method that is understood by manufacturers, engineers and installers alike. This means that cable requirements can be determined more quickly and efficiently. AWG labelling helps to quickly determine whether a cable is suitable for a particular application, for example in terms of current capacity or signal transmission.

Conversion to mm²

The conversion from AWG to mm² is possible, although not always exact, as the AWG system is logarithmic. Here are some examples to illustrate this:

• AWG20 = 0.519mm²
• AWG18 = 0.823mm²
• AWG17 = 1.04mm²
• AWG16 = 1.31mm²
• AWG15 = 1.65mm²
• AWG14 = 2.08mm²
• AWG13 = 2.63mm²
• AWG12 = 3.31mm²

example

Let's assume you need a cable for a device that is to draw a current of 15 amps. An AWG14 cable with a cross-section of 2.08 mm² would be ideal in this case, as it offers sufficient capacity for the current load and ensures a safe installation.

These conversion values give an idea of which AWG cable is best suited for which requirements.
WG stands for "American Wire Gauge" and is a standard for measuring wire diameters in the USA. A lower AWG value means a thicker wire.
To calculate the cross-section in mm² from the AWG value, you can use the following formula for the diameter in mm:

The cross-section can then be calculated using the formula $\pi \times (\mathrm{diameter/2}{)}^2$.

All in all, AWG labelling is an effective system for categorising cables that enables quick and reliable selection. It facilitates communication between manufacturers, engineers and installers and ensures high standards in the electrical industry.

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