How to Figure the Wire Size for a Thread Gauge

Wiring size is measured with an AWG wire gauge in North America.

Wire size is expressed in the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system for standardized sizes in the United States and Canada. The wiring size dictates the amount of current that can be safely used in electrical applications. Wiring that is too small in diameter will short circuit electric appliances or can become too hot and cause a fire. Using an AWG wire gauge correctly helps you determine the size of wire.

Things You'll Need

• Wire strippers
• AWG wire gauge
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Place a pair of wire strippers about 2 inches from the end of the wire to be measured. Squeeze the jaws closed onto the wire. Twist the wire strippers and pull them off the end of the wire.

2. Peel any insulation off the internal wires that may be left behind after stripping the wire.

3. Hold the internal wires by the exposed tip. Place the wires into an AWG wire gauge opening that appears about the same size.

4. Remove the wires and place it in the next size up and down on each side of the first area you inserted the wire. The correct wire size is the slot that the wire fits snugly and entirely into.

5. Read the AWG number below the wire in the correct opening for the wire size.

Tips & Warnings

• If the wire you are measuring is too large to strip with wire strippers, cut a circle around the insulation with a utility knife and pull the insulation off by hand.

• Consult an AWG wire gauge chart to determine the electrical capacity of the wiring.

• Do not remove any internal insulation on separate wires before measuring them. Only remove the outer insulation to measure the wire.

References

• Integrated Publishing: Electrical Engineering Training Series
• Tech-FAQ: American Wire Gauge

Resources

• Integrated Publishing: Electrical Engineering Training Series