Copper Wire

详情

Copper wire specifications are primarily defined by their gauge (diameter), ampacity (current-carrying capacity), and resistance. In many regions, including the Philippines and North America, the American Wire Gauge (AWG) is the standard.
Common AWG Specifications
The AWG system is inverse: as the gauge number increases, the wire becomes thinner. Below are typical specifications for standard copper wire at *0°C (*8°F):

| AWG Gauge | Diameter (mm) | Resistance (Ω/km) | Max Ampacity (Typical)* | Common Use |
|**-|**-|**-|**-|**-|
| *0 | 2.*9 mm | 3.*8 Ω | ***0 Amps | Water heaters, AC units |
| *2 | 2.*5 mm | 5.*1 Ω | ***0 Amps | Standard wall outlets |
| *4 | 1.*3 mm | 8.*8 Ω | ***0 Amps | Lighting circuits |
| *6 | 1.*9 mm | *3.*7 Ω | ***8 Amps | Extension cords, light fixtures |
| *8 | 1.*2 mm | *0.*5 Ω | **4 Amps | Low-voltage lighting, doorbells |

*Ampacity varies based on insulation type and installation environment.
Key Technical Attributes

* Material Purity: High-quality wires are typically made of *9.9% pure copper for maximum conductivity.
* Construction:
* Solid: A single thick strand; best for permanent in-wall wiring.
   * Stranded: Multiple smaller strands twisted together; offers higher flexibility for routing through conduits.
* Insulation Types:
* THHN/THWN*2: Most common for building; heat-resistant thermoplastic with a nylon jacket.
   * Enamelled (Magnet Wire): Coated with a thin layer of resin for tight windings in motors and transformers.
* Resistance: Increases as the wire gets thinner (higher AWG) or longer.
* Voltage Rating: Most standard building wire is rated for **0V.

Common Product Types

* TW Stranded Wire: Often available in *4/7 (2.0mm) and *2/7 (3.5mm) sizes for general electrical work.
* Enamelled Copper Wire: Used for winding coils, often found in sizes like *3 AWG for electronics.
* Solid Bare Wire: Typically used for grounding systems.