What does a higher conductor gauge indicate?

A higher conductor gauge indicates a smaller wire diameter. In the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system, as the gauge number increases, the physical size of the wire decreases. This means that higher gauge numbers, such as 18 or 20, are thinner than lower gauge numbers like 10 or 12, which are thicker wires.

Understanding this concept is critical when selecting wiring for specific applications, as wire gauge affects not only the physical properties of the wire, such as flexibility and ease of installation, but also its capacity to carry current and the associated voltage drop. The smaller diameter of higher gauge wires often means they can carry less current compared to lower gauge wires, which have a larger diameter and therefore a higher current-carrying capacity. This relationship impacts various aspects of electrical installations, including safety and efficiency.