AWG to mm² Converter

How to Convert AWG to mm²

Converting American Wire Gauge (AWG) to square millimeters (mm²) is essential for professionals working with electrical wiring, especially when dealing with international standards. While AWG is predominantly used in North America, mm² is the standard in many other parts of the world. Understanding this conversion ensures compatibility and safety in electrical installations.

AWG is a logarithmic scale where a higher gauge number indicates a thinner wire. Conversely, mm² measures the actual cross-sectional area of a wire. Accurate conversion between these units is crucial for determining current-carrying capacity and ensuring compliance with regional electrical codes.

What Is AWG?

The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system is a standardized wire gauge system used primarily in North America. It defines the diameters of round, solid, nonferrous, electrically conducting wire. The system is logarithmic, meaning each step in gauge number represents a specific ratio of the wire's diameter and cross-sectional area. For example, a 12 AWG wire is thicker than a 14 AWG wire.

What Is mm²?

Square millimeters (mm²) is a metric unit of area commonly used to specify the cross-sectional area of wires in many parts of the world. Unlike AWG, which is based on wire diameter, mm² directly measures the area, providing a straightforward understanding of a wire's capacity to carry current.

Conversion Formula

To convert AWG to mm², the following formula can be used:

mm² = 0.0005067 × 92^((36 - AWG)/39)

This formula calculates the cross-sectional area in square millimeters based on the AWG number. However, due to the complexity of the formula, it's common practice to use conversion tables for quick reference.

Examples

• Example 1: To convert 10 AWG to mm²:
  10 AWG ≈ 5.26 mm²

• Example 2: To convert 16 AWG to mm²:
  16 AWG ≈ 1.31 mm²

• Example 3: To convert 24 AWG to mm²:
  24 AWG ≈ 0.205 mm²

These examples demonstrate how different AWG sizes correspond to specific cross-sectional areas in mm².

Conversion Table

AWG	mm²
30	0.05
28	0.08
26	0.14
24	0.25
22	0.34
20	0.50
18	0.75
16	1.31
14	2.08
12	3.31
10	5.26
8	8.36
6	13.3
4	21.2
2	33.6
1	42.4
1/0	53.5
2/0	67.4
3/0	85.0
4/0	107

This table provides a quick reference for converting common AWG sizes to their equivalent in mm².

Practical Applications

• International Projects: When working on projects that span countries using different measurement systems, converting AWG to mm² ensures consistency and compliance with local standards.

• Electrical Engineering: Engineers often need to convert wire sizes to match specifications, especially when importing or exporting electrical components.

• Safety Compliance: Using the correct wire size is crucial for safety. Converting to mm² helps in selecting wires that can handle the required current without overheating.

Tips for Accurate Conversion

• Use Reliable Tables: While formulas exist, using established conversion tables reduces the risk of errors.

• Consider Wire Type: Stranded wires may have different properties than solid wires, so ensure you're using the correct conversion for the wire type.

• Check Standards: Always refer to local electrical codes and standards, as they may have specific requirements for wire sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mm² is 12 AWG?

12 AWG is approximately 3.31 mm². This size is commonly used for household wiring and can handle moderate current loads.

Why is AWG used instead of mm² in some countries?

AWG is a traditional system used primarily in North America. It's based on the number of drawing operations needed to produce a wire of a certain diameter. Other countries have adopted the metric system, which uses mm² for its simplicity and direct measurement of area.

Can I use AWG and mm² interchangeably?

While you can convert between the two, it's essential to use the appropriate unit for your region and ensure that all components in a system are compatible. Mixing units without proper conversion can lead to safety hazards.

How does wire material affect the conversion?

The conversion between AWG and mm² is based on physical dimensions, not material properties. However, different materials have varying conductivity, so while the size may be the same, the current-carrying capacity can differ.

Is there a simple way to remember common conversions?

Memorizing a few key conversions can be helpful. For example, 10 AWG ≈ 5.26 mm², 12 AWG ≈ 3.31 mm², and 14 AWG ≈ 2.08 mm². For other sizes, refer to a conversion table.