What Is a Wire / Cable?
A wire / cable is the basic connection element that carries electric current from one point to another, usually made of a copper conductor and the insulation around it.
Wire or Cable?
Generally a wire means a single conductor, while a cable means several wires gathered in one jacket. Both do the same job: carry power or signal.
AWG (Gauge)
A wire's thickness is referred to by AWG (American Wire Gauge). As the number gets smaller the wire gets thicker and carries more current. A wire with insufficient gauge heats up under overcurrent; an AWG suited to the current must be chosen.
| Structure | Property |
|---|---|
| Solid | Rigid, breadboard/fixed mounting |
| Stranded | Flexible, moving connection |
| AWG | Small number = thick = more current |
Solid and Stranded
Solid is rigid and through-hole; it's good for breadboard and fixed mounting. Stranded is made of many thin wires, is flexible and resistant to breaking in frequently-moved/bent places.
Where Is It Used?
Power distribution, on-board connections, connector terminals, home wiring and the transmission line of every electrical system.
Special Cable Types
Besides plain wire there are special types: coaxial cable for high-frequency signals, ribbon cable for orderly multi-line connections, and heat-shrink tubing for joint/terminal insulation.
Current Carrying
The current a wire can safely carry depends on its gauge, the insulation's temperature class and the ambient temperature. Current above the limit melts the insulation and creates a fire risk.
Common Mistakes
- Thin gauge: using thin wire for high current causes heating/fire.
- Stranded into a hole: stranded wire makes poor contact in a breadboard.
- Insulation temperature: choosing a low-class insulation in a hot environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens as AWG decreases?+
Solid or stranded?+
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