How Big Is 18 Gauge Wire with Shielding?
Understanding the size of 18 gauge wire, especially when shielded, requires looking at several dimensions. The "gauge" itself refers to the conductor's diameter, but the overall size increases significantly with shielding. Let's break down the dimensions and factors influencing the final size.
What Does 18 Gauge Mean?
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system is a standardized method for specifying the diameter of electrical wires. An 18 AWG wire has a specific diameter, but this is only the size of the bare copper (or other conductive material) within the wire. The actual physical size of the wire increases substantially when insulation and shielding are added.
18 AWG Bare Conductor Diameter: Approximately 1.024 mm or 0.0403 inches. This is a relatively common size used in various applications, from electronics to low-voltage lighting.
How Shielding Affects the Overall Size
Shielding, usually a layer of braided or foil material, is added to protect the wire from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This shielding adds considerably to the wire's overall diameter and therefore its overall size. There's no single answer to how much larger it gets because:
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Shielding Material: The thickness of the shielding material varies depending on the intended level of protection and the type of material used (braided copper, aluminum foil, etc.). A thicker shielding layer naturally results in a larger overall diameter.
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Insulation Type: The thickness of the insulation layer surrounding the conductor also impacts the final size. Different insulation materials (PVC, Teflon, etc.) have varying thicknesses.
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Number of Conductors: If the cable contains multiple conductors, all with their insulation and shielding, the overall diameter will increase significantly.
How to Determine the Actual Size of Your Shielded 18 AWG Wire
To determine the exact size of your specific 18 AWG shielded wire, you'll need to:
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Consult the Manufacturer's Specifications: The best source of information is the manufacturer's datasheet or product specifications. This documentation will provide the precise overall diameter and other relevant dimensions.
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Measure the Wire Directly: If you don't have access to the manufacturer's specifications, you can use a caliper or micrometer to measure the overall diameter of your wire. This requires careful measurement to obtain an accurate reading.
What are the Applications of Shielded 18 AWG Wire?
Shielded 18 AWG wire is frequently used in applications where electromagnetic interference is a concern, including:
- Audio Equipment: Minimizing noise and interference in sensitive audio signals.
- Data Transmission: Protecting data integrity in computer and network applications.
- Instrumentation: Ensuring accurate readings in measuring instruments.
- Automotive Applications: Protecting sensitive electronic circuits in vehicles.
What other sizes are commonly used with shielding?
While 18 AWG is common, other gauge sizes are also used with shielding depending on the current carrying capacity and level of EMI protection needed. Smaller gauges (higher number, smaller diameter) might be used for low-current applications where minimizing size is a priority. Larger gauges (lower number, larger diameter) are used for higher current applications needing more robust wiring.
Remember that accurate determination of the size requires consulting manufacturer specifications or precisely measuring the actual cable. This information provides a general understanding and helps you to understand the factors influencing the final dimensions of shielded 18 AWG wire.
