When using the American Wire Gauge system for cable selection, what does a higher gauge number indicate?

In the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system, a higher gauge number signifies a smaller cross-sectional area of the wire. This means that as the gauge number increases, the thickness of the wire decreases.

For instance, a 10-gauge wire is thicker and has a larger cross-sectional area compared to a 20-gauge wire. The smaller diameter of higher gauge wires generally results in increased electrical resistance, which can affect the wire's capacity to conduct electricity effectively.

As a result, when selecting wires for electrical applications, it is crucial to consider gauge size; higher numbers correlate with thinner wires that can carry less current and may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications. Understanding this principle is fundamental for electrical design and safety.