Multi-Conductor Cable Size Chart: AWG Wire Size Explained
Given all the unique multi-conductor cable uses, you can imagine just how many different multi-conductor cable types you have at your disposal.
These can be categorized in a variety of ways - based on jacket material, shielding, conductor configuration, and most commonly, size. Multi-conductor cables are sized according to the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standards.
Choosing the optimal AWG for your application is essential. It impacts resistance, flexibility, and current-carrying capacity. That’s why we’ve put together a multi-conductor cable size chart to help you navigate this decision.
Better yet, we’ve curated the #1 multi-conductor cable selection online so you can simply reach out to our customer service team for guidance on the ideal size. Browse our most popular categories below to narrow your search:
- Multi-conductor cable 16 AWG
- Multi-conductor cable 12 AWG
- Multi-conductor cable 14 AWG
- Multi-conductor Cable 18 AWG
- Multi-conductor cable 22 AWG
- 20 AWG multi-conductor cable
- 28 AWG multi-conductor cable
Learn more about the sizing standards for these cables below.
How Are Multi-Conductor Cables Sized?
The AWG system has standardized the measuring of wire diameter here in the US. Each AWG size denotes a specific conductor diameter and current-carrying capacity. This helps professionals choose the right cable size without any guesswork.
The basics of the multi-conductor cable size chart are as follows: smaller AWG numbers indicate thicker wires capable of handling higher currents, while larger numbers indicate thinner wires suitable for lower-current applications. Let’s take a closer look below.
AWG Sizing Scale and Measurement Standards
The AWG scale ranges from 0000 (4/0) to 40, covering a broad spectrum of wire diameters in between. Each gauge size represents a specific physical diameter, which speaks to the current-carrying capability and resistance per unit length.
For instance, 10 AWG is thicker and designed for higher current-carrying capacity. On the other hand, something like 22 AWG would be used for signal transmission in low-power applications since it’s thinner.
The standardization of these measurements ensures every gauge size meets consistent diameter and resistance values. This makes it far easier to source replacement cables knowing exactly what you’re getting.
How Wire Gauge Impacts Performance and Applications
It should go without saying that picking the ideal cable size is of the utmost importance. There are a few reasons why - from efficiency to heat management and flexibility:
- Efficiency and Electrical Resistance: Lower-gauge (thicker) wires have lower electrical resistance to minimize energy loss and improve efficiency over long distances.
- Heat Dissipation and Safety: Thicker wires can carry more current without overheating, making them safer for high-power applications.
- Flexibility and Cost: Higher-gauge (thinner) wires are inherently more flexible for installations where frequent bending or movement is necessary. They also tend to be more cost-effective since less material is used in how multi-conductor cables are manufactured.
That being said, which AWG size is ideal in your specific situation? We’ll share a basic multi-conductor cable size chart below and walk you through choosing the optimal size.
Multi-Conductor Cable Size Chart
| AWG Size | Diameter (mm) | Approx. Current Capacity (Amps) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AWG | 2.05 mm | 20 Amps | High-power industrial controls, lighting systems |
| 14 AWG | 1.63 mm | 15 Amps | Power distribution, moderate-load electrical systems |
| 16 AWG | 1.29 mm | 10 Amps | Low-power control systems, lighting, automotive |
| 18 AWG | 1.02 mm | 7 Amps | Signal transmission, security systems, and controls |
| 20 AWG | 0.81 mm | 5 Amps | Instrumentation, data transmission, low-power wiring |
| 22 AWG | 0.64 mm | 3 Amps | Telecommunication, audio and video signal |
| 28 AWG | 0.32 mm | 1.4 Amps | Short-range data communication, light signaling |
Note - the values in this multi-conductor cable size chart are closely aligned with industry standards, although slight variations in the actual specifications for amps may exist. Always check the spec sheets before you buy!
Picking the Ideal Multi-Conductor Cable Size for Your Application
Hopefully the multi-conductor cable size chart leaves you with a clear understanding of which of these sizes meets your criteria. If not, here are some more tips to size your cables with confidence.
Voltage Drop and Power Requirements
Selecting the correct AWG size begins with understanding voltage drop and power demands. Lower-gauge cables work best in high-current or long-distance applications as they minimize resistance and deliver consistent power.
This is to say that if your application has strict power requirements or spans a more significant distance, you’ll want to invest in a thicker gauge to prevent wasted energy and inefficient or unreliable power delivery.
Environmental and Installation Conditions
You also need to account for where and how you intend to install your cables. The specific operating environment comes into play here.
Heavier-gauge cables (lower AWG numbers) are known to perform better under extreme environmental conditions, be it higher temperatures or excessive vibration.
But the routing you have in mind for your wiring setup matters too. Installation in tight spaces or areas that require bending and flexibility will call for thinner gauges as they’re easier to handle. Just be sure to match them with appropriate power and insulation needs.
Number of Conductors and Configuration
Finally, think about the number of conductors within the cable and how they’ll be configured. The size of each conductor along your cable impacts the overall cable diameter and flexibility. More conductors necessitate a thicker gauge to avoid overheating or signal interference.
Furthermore, high-density wiring configurations will need cable gauges that offer sufficient insulation while meeting size constraints.
More Tips on Choosing the Optimal Cables
Size is undoubtedly an important aspect of cable sourcing, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. There are a few other things you need to account for in choosing your cables.
Temperature Ratings and Insulation Requirements
Those who are wiring in extreme conditions need to be more strict in their sourcing standards. Different insulation materials, such as PVC, Teflon, or rubber, provide specific temperature tolerances suited to diverse environments.
Take PVC, for instance. It’s commonly used for its affordability and suitability in moderate temperatures, while you may need to pay more for Teflon in extreme temperature ranges.
The point is you need to choose insulation that aligns with the ambient and operational temperatures of your environment to maintain wire integrity, minimize signal degradation, and protect against overheating or brittleness in colder settings.
Safety Standards and Compliance
Of course, you always need to take into account the unique safety standards and compliance regulations for wiring in general along with your specific application.
Cables should be backed by certifications like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) for assurance they’ve been rigorously tested for safety and performance. This is the standard for all North American wiring setups.
But beyond UL or CSA, consider the specific regulations for your project. For example, cables installed in public buildings may need fire-resistant properties, whereas cables in industrial settings might require additional chemical-resistant or heavy-duty insulation.
Always do your due diligence to uncover the exact safety standards needed in your use case.
Signal Requirements and Shielding Needs
Some environments are more prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). These scenarios should invest in shielded cables - like foil or braided shielding. Each protects data integrity by blocking external noise that compromises signal clarity.
This is most important in applications with sensitive data transmissions or high-speed signals. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re preserving performance over longer distances and in high-interference zones.
Think about the nature of nearby equipment, frequency of the signals being transmitted, and whether the cable will need to withstand frequent bending or movement.
When in Doubt, Reach Out and Find All the Multi-Conductor Cable AWG Sizes You Need at AudioVideoElectric.com!
We know sourcing cables can get overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it on your own. You can always reach out to the experts here at AudioVideoElectric.com for one-on-one assistance in picking the perfect cables.
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These are an exact match in fit and form to their branded counterparts, with spec sheets to back them up. The only difference? They are up to 30% less! In fact, we’ve had customers cut their cable costs by up to 65% annually, leading to savings as high as $86,000.
So, reach out today to learn more about how our wires can support your installation or replacement. After all, our world-class support is a big part of what keeps customers coming back for more!
Wrapping Up Our AWG Size Guide
That does it for our AWG size guide. We hope this multi-condudctor cable size chart and overview has left you with complete clarity on how these wires are sized and which aligns with your unique needs.
Choosing the optimal AWG wire size guarantees optimal performance, safety, and durability, especially in demanding commercial environments.
From assessing current capacity and insulation to considering environmental factors and signal requirements, each element impacts how well the cable performs in your application.
Find more resources in our blog like single-conductor vs multi-conductor cable, what is a multi-conductor cable, how to strip multi-conductor cable, how to calculate conduit fill for multi-conductor cable, advantages of multi-conductor cable, difference between twisted pair and multi-conductor cable, and why multi-strand conductors are preferred over solid conductors.
The only thing left to do now is find the ideal AWG cable for your setup. Browse our multi-conductor cable sizes now and invest in peace of mind knowing you’re getting the quality you deserve while staying under budget!