AWG a mm2 ：when working with electrical cables, It is common to find two measurement systems for conductor size: the system AWG (American Wire Gauge) and the metric system in mm² (square millimeters). Both units are used to express the cross-sectional area of a conductor., but they represent different measurement systems. In this article, We will explore how to convert between these two systems and how to understand the differences between the two.
What is AWG system?
The AWG system, o American Wire Gauge, It is a standard used primarily in the United States and other countries that adopt US regulations. The AWG measures the diameter of a copper or aluminum conductor., and the number assigned to each size indicates the relative diameter of the cable.
AWG System Features:
- Lower numbers represent larger diameter cables.
- Higher numbers indicate smaller diameter cables.
For example, and cable 10 AWG It is thicker than a cable 18 AWG.
What is mm² system?
The metric system in mm² measures the cross section area of the driver, that is to say, the area of the circle formed by the cable. It is a standard used globally in countries that adopt the metric system. When measuring area in square millimeters (mm²), the system is more direct to calculate the amount of conductive material in the cable, which directly influences the current carrying capacity.
System characteristics mm²:
- The larger the value of mm², the greater the area and, therefore, the current capacity of the conductor.
- This system is widely used in Europe, Asia and other countries that have adopted the metric system.
Quick Conversion Table between AWG to mm2
Below is a quick conversion table for easy comparison. between system AWG to mm2. This table shows some of the most common wire sizes and their equivalents in both measurement systems..
| American wire gauge(AWG) | Diameter(in) | Diameter(mm) | Cross-sectional area(mm2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0000 (4/0) | 0.460 | 11.7 | 107.0 |
| 000 (3/0) | 0.410 | 10.4 | 85.0 |
| 00 (2/0) | 0.365 | 9.27 | 67.4 |
| 0 (1/0) | 0.325 | 8.25 | 53.5 |
| 1 | 0.289 | 7.35 | 42.4 |
| 2 | 0.258 | 6.54 | 33.6 |
| 3 | 0.229 | 5.83 | 26.7 |
| 4 | 0.204 | 5.19 | 21.1 |
| 5 | 0.182 | 4.62 | 16.8 |
| 6 | 0.162 | 4.11 | 13.3 |
| 7 | 0.144 | 3.67 | 10.6 |
| 8 | 0.129 | 3.26 | 8.36 |
| 9 | 0.114 | 2.91 | 6.63 |
| 10 | 0.102 | 2.59 | 5.26 |
| 11 | 0.0.907 | 2.30 | 4.17 |
| 12 | 0.0808 | 2.05 | 3.31 |
| 13 | 0.0720 | 1.83 | 2.63 |
| 14 | 0.0641 | 1.63 | 2.08 |
| 15 | 0.0571 | 1.45 | 1.65 |
| 16 | 0.0508 | 1.29 | 1.31 |
| 17 | 0.0453 | 1.15 | 1.04 |
| 18 | 0.0403 | 1.02 | 0.82 |
| 19 | 0.0359 | 0.91 | 0.65 |
| 20 | 0.0320 | 0.81 | 0.52 |
| 21 | 0.0285 | 0.72 | 0.41 |
| 22 | 0.0254 | 0.65 | 0.33 |
| 23 | 0.0226 | 0.57 | 0.26 |
| 24 | 0.0201 | 0.51 | 0.20 |
| 25 | 0.0179 | 0.45 | 0.16 |
| 26 | 0.0159 | 0.40 | 0.13 |
As we can see in the table, The conversion between AWG and mm² implies that as the AWG number increases, cable size decreases, and vice versa.
Why is the conversion between AWG to mm2 important??
Conversion between AWG and mm² is crucial for various applications, especially in the electrical industry. Here are some key reasons to understand the relationship between both systems:
- Selecting suitable cables: In many cases, Cables must comply with regulations that specify conductor size in mm², while in others, size is presented in AWG. Knowing how to convert between both systems makes it easy to select the correct cable based on project specifications..
- Current carrying capacity: The larger the size of the conductor, the greater its capacity to carry electric current without overheating. Cables with larger cross-sectional area have less electrical resistance and are more suitable for high current applications. Therefore, Understanding the conversion between AWG and mm² helps determine which cable will be best suited for a specific application.
- International standards: Cables sold in different markets may have specifications in different units. For example, Cables made in the United States are usually specified in AWG, while cables sold in Europe and many other parts of the world are measured in mm². Knowing the conversion helps you make informed purchases and ensure the cable you choose meets safety and performance standards.
- Normative compliance: When carrying out electrical installations, It is essential to comply with local and international regulations which often specify cable sizes in mm². Understanding how to convert between these two systems ensures that safety and energy efficiency requirements are met..
Factors to consider when choosing cables
When choosing an electrical cable, plus conversion between AWG and mm², It is important to consider the following factors:
- Load capacity: Determines how much current the cable can carry without risk of overheating.
- Installation length: Longer cables may have more voltage drop, so a larger conductor size may be needed to compensate for this loss.
- Insulation type: Cables can have different types of insulation, like PVC, XLPE o goma, that affect their ability to resist extreme temperatures, exposure to water or chemicals.
- Installation conditions: The environment in which the cable will be installed (interior, exterior, buried, exposed to extreme weather conditions) influences the selection of cable type and size.
Conclusion
Converting between AWG to mm2 is an essential skill for electrical and engineering professionals, since it guarantees the correct selection of the appropriate cable for each application. Although both systems measure the size of the conductors, Understanding how to convert between them and the factors that influence cable choice ensure safe and efficient installations.. By using the conversion table and understanding the relationship between both systems, The task of choosing cables that meet the requirements of each electrical project is facilitated.