Which Is Stronger: 16 Gauge or 19 Gauge Wire?
Wire is defined as a flexible strand or rod of metal. A section of wire may consist of a single strand of metal or be constructed as a twisted braid. Wire is usually flexible and often serves as a conductor of electricity.
Gauges
Wire gauge is a numerical system based on the diameter of a piece of wire. If braided wire is involved, the gauge number refers to the entire unit. This classification runs from 0 to 50, with zero being the largest (0.324 inches) and 50 the smallest (0.0010 inches). Wires thicker than 0.324 inches use a two-character system that ascends in numerical value as the wire diameter grows larger. For example, 2/0 gauge wire has a diameter of 0.348 inches and 4/0 gauge wire has a thickness of 0.400 inches.
Comparison
Therefore, 16 gauge wire is thicker than 19 gauge wire and so it is stronger, provided each sample of wire is made from the same material and is constructed in the same manner.
Considerations
Still the possibility exists that a strand of 19-gauge steel wire might be stronger than a larger piece of 16-gauge copper wire. The reason for this likelihood revolves around the numerous types of wire that are manufactured today and the various applications to which each kind of wire is used.
References
Writer Bio
Henri Bauholz is a professional writer covering a variety of topics, including hiking, camping, foreign travel and nature. He has written travel articles for several online publications and his travels have taken him all over the world, from Mexico to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Europe.
Photo Credits
- telegraph receiver isolated on white image by Robert Young from Fotolia.com
- telegraph receiver isolated on white image by Robert Young from Fotolia.com
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