Wire gauges play an essential role in selecting the right wire for any project, whether it’s for industrial heating, electrical applications, or creative crafting. Two of the most commonly used systems for measuring wire thickness are American Wire Gauge (AWG) and Standard Wire Gauge (SWG). While both systems are widely recognized, they are not interchangeable, and understanding the differences can save you from potential mistakes in wire selection.
At The Crazy Wire Company, we offer a vast range of wires, including nichrome and stainless steel, that cater to both AWG and SWG measurements. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the differences between AWG and SWG, their uses, and how to decide which system is best for your needs. We’ll also include charts to make comparisons easier and help you choose the right product from our range.
What Is American Wire Gauge (AWG)?
American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a standardised wire sizing system primarily used in the United States and Canada. It dates back to 1857 and provides a numerical value to indicate the diameter of a wire. In AWG, as the number increases, the wire diameter decreases. For instance, a 10 AWG wire is thicker than a 20 AWG wire.
Key Characteristics of AWG
- AWG sizes range from 0000 (4/0), the thickest, to 40 AWG, the thinnest.
- AWG measures the wire’s diameter in inches or millimetres.
- Commonly used for electrical wiring, resistance wire, and heating elements.
At The Crazy Wire Company, we stock a wide range of wires measured in AWG, including nichrome resistance wires and stainless steel wires, perfect for projects requiring precise electrical resistance.
What Is Standard Wire Gauge (SWG)?
Standard Wire Gauge (SWG) is a British wire sizing system developed in the 19th century. It’s widely used in the UK and other countries that follow metric measurements. Like AWG, SWG assigns numerical values to wire thickness, but the scale differs, as does the wire diameter for each gauge.
Key Characteristics of SWG
- SWG sizes range from 7/0 (largest) to 50 SWG (smallest).
- The diameters are measured in millimetres.
- Commonly used in industrial applications, crafting, and non-electrical uses.
At The Crazy Wire Company, we supply wires measured in SWG for a variety of applications, including foam-cutting nichrome wires and crafting wires.
AWG vs SWG: How Do They Differ?
Although both AWG and SWG measure wire thickness, their numbering systems, applications, and origins differ significantly. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | AWG (American Wire Gauge) | SWG (Standard Wire Gauge) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | United States (1857) | United Kingdom (19th century) |
| Measurement Unit | Inches or millimetres | Millimetres |
| Range | 0000 (thickest) to 40 (thinnest) | 7/0 (thickest) to 50 (thinnest) |
| Applications | Electrical wiring, resistance wires | Industrial and crafting uses |
The biggest difference lies in how the gauges correlate with the wire diameter. For example:
- 20 AWG wire is 0.812mm in diameter.
- 20 SWG wire is 0.914mm in diameter.
This slight variation can impact your project if precision is crucial, such as in heating or electrical systems.
Chart: AWG vs SWG Wire Sizes
Here’s a comparison chart of AWG and SWG diameters to help you understand the differences. Use this chart to find equivalent sizes between the two systems.
| AWG | AWG Diameter (mm) | SWG | SWG Diameter (mm) |
| 10 | 2.588 | 10 | 3.251 |
| 12 | 2.053 | 12 | 2.642 |
| 14 | 1.628 | 14 | 2.032 |
| 16 | 1.291 | 16 | 1.626 |
| 18 | 1.024 | 18 | 1.219 |
| 20 | 0.812 | 20 | 0.914 |
| 22 | 0.644 | 22 | 0.711 |
| 24 | 0.511 | 24 | 0.558 |
| 26 | 0.405 | 26 | 0.457 |
| 28 | 0.32 | 28 | 0.376 |
| 30 | 0.254 | 30 | 0.315 |
| 32 | 0.202 | 32 | 0.274 |
| 34 | 0.16 | 34 | 0.234 |
| 36 | 0.127 | 36 | 0.193 |
| 38 | 0.101 | 38 | 0.152 |
| 40 | 0.08 | 40 | 0.122 |
Which Should You Use: AWG or SWG?
The choice between AWG and SWG depends on your project requirements and geographic location:
Choose AWG If:
- You’re working on electrical or heating applications that require precise resistance values.
- Your project is based in the United States or Canada, where AWG is the standard.
Choose SWG If:
- You’re in the UK or working with a British-based system.
- Your project involves crafting or general-purpose uses where exact resistance isn’t critical.
Why Choose The Crazy Wire Company?
At The Crazy Wire Company, we take pride in offering high-quality wires for all applications. Whether you need nichrome wire for foam cutting or stainless steel wire for industrial heating, we have the perfect options in both AWG and SWG sizes. Here’s why customers trust us:
- Extensive Range: We stock wires in a wide variety of sizes, diameters, and materials.
- Expert Advice: Not sure whether to choose AWG or SWG? Our team can guide you to the right product for your project.
- Fast Delivery: Based in Warrington, UK, we offer quick dispatch and tracked shipping to ensure your order arrives on time.
- Competitive Pricing: Enjoy premium wires at affordable prices, with discounts for bulk purchases.
Common FAQs About AWG and SWG
1. Can I Convert Between AWG and SWG?
Yes, you can use conversion charts to find equivalent diameters between the two systems. However, slight variations in diameter may impact performance in precise applications.
2. Do AWG and SWG Use the Same Materials?
Both systems can be used with the same materials, such as nichrome, copper, or stainless steel. The difference lies in the sizing standard.
3. Which Is Better for Resistance Wire: AWG or SWG?
AWG is often preferred for resistance wire due to its precise sizing and consistency in resistance values.
Understanding the differences between American Wire Gauge (AWG) and Standard Wire Gauge (SWG) is crucial for selecting the right wire for your project. While AWG is more commonly used in the US and Canada for electrical applications, SWG remains a staple in the UK and is preferred for general-purpose and crafting uses.
At The Crazy Wire Company, we cater to both systems with a wide range of products designed to meet your needs. Explore our online store for the highest-quality nichrome and stainless steel wires, and let us help you find the perfect wire for your next project.
For more insights, charts, and advice, browse our blog or contact our expert team today!
We offer also a massive range of stainless steel wire and nichrome wire through our store. Choose the wire that you want to work with and we’ll get spooling.
If you’re interested in learning more about wire, check out our other blog on Everything You Need to Know About Wires.
We are also proud to supply this product on our highly popular eBay store, check us out there too.
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