When we have to go through daily life we have to use wire for many purposes. Wires vary from electronics to electronics. It is all up to the diameter. With the help of diameter, you will get the answer of the capacity of amounts of current and voltage a wire can hold.
For this, you’ve to know the wire gauge, since all electronic wires must meet specifications based on the gauge. Wire gauge refers to the measurement of wire diameter. To measure wire gauge caliper is a good option.
It’s not surprising that you’re eager to know how to measure a wire gauge with a caliper. In this article, we’ll discuss them in detail; so stay tuned.
How to Measure Wire Gauge With Calipers? (With 5 Simple Steps)
There are several calipers in the market. But the working process is more or less similar. No matter what caliper you have you can easily measure wire gauge with that. We’ll discuss the process in several steps so that you can easily understand it.
Here is the 5 easy step-by-step guide on measuring wire gauges with calipers:
Step 1: Take off the Insulation
To calculate the gauge of stranded wire, you’ll need to find the diameter of a single wire strand in either millimeters or inches. First, you need to remove the insulation from the wire before measuring the gauge.
Multiple thin wire filaments are twisted together to form the stranded wire. For this, you need a wire cutter to cut wire ends. You ensure that you cut enough to reach the insulation.
Remove the insulation from the end of the wire after clipping around its perimeter. The wire in the clipped area must be completely exposed so that nothing gets left behind.
Step 2: Calipers Jaws on Wire
Then in the next step, you have to place the wire between the jaws of the caliper. Now you have to extend the caliper’s jaw and set the wire between the jaw. Close the jaw slowly until they come in contact with the wire and don’t force them.
When it tightens, you need to check the reading on the scale of the caliper and you should have noted it down. Repeat this process in a few other bare wire regions for the sake of higher measurement accuracy.
Step 3: Measure the Stranded Wire Gauge
If you’re calculating the gauge of strand wire, you have to double the diameter. If you have measured 0.02 inches in diameter, multiply this figure by itself. So the actual result you will find is 0.0004.
Step 4: Multiply by the Number of Strands
After getting the result of the overall diameter, you need to multiply the result by the total number of strands. The wire could have any number of separate, intertwined strands, depending on its size.
Add the squared wire diameter to the number of strands, then multiply the result. When there are 21 strands in the wire, multiply the length by 0.000025 in (0.000635 mm). The result will be 0.000525 in (0.013335 mm).
Step 5: AWG Value Calculatation
It is the last step where you have to find the AWG value which matches the result. For this, you need to find the Circular Mils value of the stranded wire. After getting the circular mils value collect a chart of AWG value from online or a retailer shop.
After getting the gauge table chart, you can easily find the value of your wire. Using the example above, if the diameter of a wire strand is 0.0065 inches and the wire has 21 strands, you’ll have a CMA of 252 and an AWG of 26.
American Wire Gauge (AWG) Size Chart in 2024
These sizes are labeled as American Wire Gauge or AWG. Most of the wires contain the AWG value in their packet or their body. The larger the AWG value the thinner the wire is. Here is a small collection of AWG charts to understand the process properly according to the wikiHow report.
| Wire Size AWG. | Strand Number | Strand DIA. | Area Circ. Mils | Total DIA. |
| 26 | 1 | 0.0159 | 254 | 0.016 |
| 26 | 8 | 0.0065 | 252 | 0.018 |
| 26 | 10 | 0.005 | 250 | 0.018 |
| 24 | 1 | 0.0201 | 404 | 0.020 |
| 24 | 8 | 0.0071 | 398 | 0.023 |
| 24 | 10 | 0.0063 | 398 | 0.023 |
| 22 | 1 | 0.0253 | 642 | 0.025 |
| 22 | 8 | 0.0089 | 632 | 0.029 |
| 22 | 10 | 0.008 | 638 | 0.029 |
| 22 | 21 | 0.005 | 525 | 0.025 |
| 20 | 1 | 0.032 | 1024 | 0.032 |
| 20 | 19 | 0.007 | 950 | 0.036 |
Note: AWG means American Wire Gauge and it is the most common standard in the world, but there is another way to exist. You will get the circular mils (CMA) value for the stranded wire from this calculation. CMA is another scale for calculating the circular area of wires that is commonly used.
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Benefits of Using a Proper Wire Gauge in 2024
Different diameters of wire are used to carry different quantities of electricity. If you use the wrong gauge then it creates heat inside the wire. There is a possibility of an unwanted fire issue. Different types of equipment or machines have a specific limit of voltage for each to handle.
If you use a wire that is not the right size, it may melt due to the high current flow. Poor wiring can damage your appliances and electronics. An inadequate current flow to its circuits can easily damage your amplifier.
You may not receive the proper voltage for your amplifier if you are using the wrong wire size. The sound quality of your system will suffer as a result.
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How to Choose the Right Electrical Wire Gauge
The majority of people are not aware of the type of wire they should use in different circumstances. The following is the Wire Use-Rated Ampacity you need to use when choosing the perfect electrical wire size for your project:
| Reason | Amplifier | Size of Gauge |
| Electric Heater | 60 amps | 4-gauge |
| Cooktops & Curry Maker | 40-50 amps | 6-gauge |
| Electric Clothes Dryers | 30 amps | 10-gauge |
| Bathroom & Kitchen | 20 amps | 12-gauge |
| Lamps & Lighting Circuits | 15 amps | 14-gauge |
| Extension Cords | 13 amps | 16-gauge |
| Lamp Cords | 10 amps | 18-gauge |
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6 Tips for Using Digital Calipers to Measure Wire Gauge 2024
No matter how high-end digital calipers are, users should know how to use them properly. Here are some tips for measuring wire gauges:
- First, be sure to zero out or reset the LCD display before measuring anything. Start turning the thumbwheel after the display reads 0 until the object makes firm contact with the inside or outside jaws.
- Secondly, hold the caliper in the correct position. The force used to exert force on both the part and caliper affects the indication due to their elasticity.
- Third, you should place the wire exactly between the jaws.
- Fourth, before you begin measuring, you must clean the wire and caliper.
- Fifth, make sure you note the measurement and use the right condition to ensure a perfect measurement.
- Sixth, you should recalculate the data if there is any error.
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Some Commonly Asked Questions About (Wire Gauge Measurement with Calipers) that People Asked: FAQs
How do digital calipers work?
The measurements of digital calipers are displayed on a digital interface instead of the round dial display of analog calipers, which uses a rack and pinion system.
How do you use digital calipers?
Measure an object’s outside diameter by adjusting the thumbwheel until the jaws are parallel to its sides. Measure the inside diameter by adjusting the inside jaws parallel to the sides of the object. Measure the depth of the object by putting the caliper base perpendicular to its base.
How do I know if my wire is 12 or 14 gauge?
With the naked eye, both look similar. A 12-gauge wire is a little thinner than a nickel, and a 14-gauge wire is slightly thicker than a dime. You should also check to see if the breaker for this circuit is 15-amp or 20-amp. For 20-amp circuits, a 12-gauge or larger wire is needed.
What is 14 gauge wire used for?
Lighting circuits with 15 amps are made from 14-gauge for light fixtures, lamps, and lighting circuits. A 12-gauge wire is used in the kitchen, bathroom, outdoor receptacles, and 120-volt air conditioners.
Can I mix 12 and 14-gauge wire?
Sure. No worries about the future and don’t confuse. You must first turn off the circuit breaker before adding anything to the circuit. After you do that, you will see that they are both on a 15-amp circuit.
Is AWG the same as a gauge?
AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. It’s the same thing. It’s just a standard way to express thickness.
Which is a thicker 10-gauge or 12-gauge wire?
When you’re calculating the gas gauge one thing to keep in mind is that the smaller the gauge number, the thicker the cable. So you can easily determine which is thicker. 10-gauge is thicker than 12-gauge.
What instrument is used to measure the thickness of a wire?
There are several tools available in the market. A digital caliper is a great instrument to accomplish the task.
Final Verdict About “Measuring Wire Gauge Using Calipers” 2024
Measuring the wire gauge with calipers is the easiest way. I hope this guide will help you when you’re measuring the wire gauge with calipers. It will take only a few minutes to do it and gives accurate results.
Stay tuned to learn more about calipers. Feel free to leave your queries in the comments section.
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