When working with international electrical cables, It is essential to understand the equivalence between AWG (American Wire Gauge) y mm² (square millimeters). These two units of measure are used in different parts of the world to describe the size of electrical conductors. In this article we clearly explain how to convert from wire AWG a mm², In what situations it is necessary to do it and we leave you a complete table so you can easily consult.
Wire Awg conversion table to mm²
| AWG | Diameter (mm) | Section (mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| 0000 (4/0) | 11.684 | 107.2 |
| 000 (3/0) | 10.404 | 85.0 |
| 00 (2/0) | 9.266 | 67.4 |
| 0 (1/0) | 8.251 | 53.5 |
| 1 | 7.348 | 42.4 |
| 2 | 6.544 | 33.6 |
| 3 | 5.827 | 26.7 |
| 4 | 5.189 | 21.2 |
| 5 | 4.621 | 16.8 |
| 6 | 4.115 | 13.3 |
| 7 | 3.665 | 10.5 |
| 8 | 3.264 | 8.37 |
| 9 | 2.906 | 6.63 |
| 10 | 2.588 | 5.26 |
| 11 | 2.305 | 4.17 |
| 12 | 2.053 | 3.31 |
| 13 | 1.828 | 2.63 |
| 14 | 1.628 | 2.08 |
| 15 | 1.450 | 1.65 |
| 16 | 1.291 | 1.31 |
| 17 | 1.150 | 1.04 |
| 18 | 1.024 | 0.823 |
| 19 | 0.912 | 0.653 |
| 20 | 0.812 | 0.518 |
| 21 | 0.723 | 0.410 |
| 22 | 0.644 | 0.326 |
| 23 | 0.573 | 0.258 |
| 24 | 0.511 | 0.205 |
| 25 | 0.455 | 0.162 |
| 26 | 0.405 | 0.129 |
| 27 | 0.361 | 0.102 |
| 28 | 0.321 | 0.081 |
| 29 | 0.286 | 0.064 |
| 30 | 0.255 | 0.050 |
| 31 | 0.227 | 0.040 |
| 32 | 0.202 | 0.032 |
| 33 | 0.180 | 0.025 |
| 34 | 0.160 | 0.020 |
| 35 | 0.143 | 0.016 |
| 36 | 0.127 | 0.013 |
| 37 | 0.113 | 0.010 |
| 38 | 0.101 | 0.008 |
| 39 | 0.089 | 0.006 |
| 40 | 0.079 | 0.005 |
Practical recommendations
- AWG 12 (≈ 3.31 mm²): Common for domestic electric shots.
- AWG 10 (≈ 5.26 mm²): Ideal for water heaters, air conditioners.
- AWG 6 (≈ 13.3 mm²): Used in electric stoves, subpaneles.
- AWG 2 (≈ 33.6 mm²): suitable for commercial facilities or battery systems.
What is the AWG?
He AWG (American Wire Gauge) It is a standardized system used in the United States, Canada and some countries in Asia to indicate the diameter of electrical conductors.
In AWG system, The higher the caliber number, thinner is cable. For example, An AWG cable 12 is thicker than one AWG 20. This scale is Logarithmic, Which means that each step down in the number represents a significant increase in the driver's cross section area.
What does MM² mean in electrical cables?
He mm² (square millimeters) It is the unit used in Europe, Latin America and other regions to measure the A driver's cross section. Unlike the AWG system, The metric system is more intuitive: A greater number of mm², Greater is the driver. This unit allows you to compare cables directly and is common in international standards such as IEC.
Why is it important to convert from AWG to mm²?
If you are designing electrical installations that combine components from different countries, or if you import and export electrical products, You will surely face the need to convert cable sizes. Some common reasons are:
- Compatibility between American and European standards.
- Proper selection of drivers according to the current capacity.
- Interpretation of international technical specifications.
- Electrical security and compliance with local regulations.
Important considerations:
The conversion between AWG and mm² is approximate, since AWG is based on the diameter and mm² in the area.
The current capacity does not depend only on the size, but also of type of isolation, temperature y driver material (copper, aluminum).
Always check the local electrical codes to make sure you meet the regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
Convert wire AWG a mm² It is a fundamental task in international electrical projects. Be clear how both measurement systems work and use a reliable reference table helps:
- Guarantee the Electrical security
- Fulfill them Local and international standards
- Select the Adequate cable For each application
With this guide and the table included, You can make informed decisions in your electrical projects.