Wire Gauge 16 Vs. 22
The gauge of an electrical wire, cord or cable determines the maximum amount of power that it can safely conduct. An appliance may perform poorly if the wire gauge exceeds what is necessary to safely operate it, and using wire with too small of a gauge can cause a fire hazard. Does this Spark an idea?
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American Wire Gauge System
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The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system assigns a numerical value that tells the wire's capacity in terms of amperes and volts. The lower the number, the higher the amperage and volt capacity. No. 6 wire is rated for 60 amps and 240 volts---strong enough for furnaces and air conditioners. No. 16 wire has sufficient capacity for light-duty extension cords---usually 15 amps and 120 volts. A No. 22 wire has a diameter about the same size as a pen point and is used in low-amp/low-voltage situations like doorbells and thermostats.
Types of Electrical Conductors
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Wire, cord and cable are not synonyms. A wire is a solid strand of copper encased in an insulating material. Cord is several strands combined and covered by insulation. Cable consists of two or three wires inside metal or plastic sheathing. Most cable installed in new construction is nonmetallic, abbreviated NM, which describes the sheathing. However, for exterior use, metal cable is still allowed by many electrical codes.
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Color Coding
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Depending on its role in a circuit, wire is color-coded. Black or red wire is "hot," indicating that the current is flowing at full voltage from the power supply to the appliance. White wire is "neutral," meaning it carries the current from the appliance at zero volts back to the power supply, completing the circuit. Green or bare copper wire is the ground wire. Wire connectors are also color-coded, although different manufacturers use different codes. It is essential to use connectors rated for the circuit.
Reading Wire and Cable
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A description of the wire or cable is usually written on it. Wire and cable will tell the AWG gauge, whether the cable has a ground wire, and the maximum voltage rating for the cable. Wire coded as 14G NM 600V is No. 14 wire with a ground wire in nonmetallic sheathing rated to a maximum 600-volt circuit.
In addition to the gauge and volt information, individual wire contains a corrosion-resistance code, such as THHN/THWN. The letter T indicates the type of insulation; HH indicates the wire can withstand high resistance; W indicates that the wire is suitable for wet conditions; N indicates that the wire is not susceptible to oil or gas damage. Another important code to look for is the UL symbol, which signifies that the wire or cable has been tested by the Underwriters Laboratories.
Choosing the Correct Wire
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It is vital to choose the correct wire for the circuit. NM cable is the best choice for most indoor wiring situations. For most household circuits like lights and outlets, 14-gauge cable is appropriate. For outlets that will supply power for midsize appliances like a microwave oven, 12-gauge wire is best. No. 10 cable should be used for appliances like window air conditioners. Large appliances running on 220-or 240-volt circuits need at least No. 10 cable.
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