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Main => Everything Else => Topic started by: SavannahLion on July 07, 2013, 04:57:28 pm

Title: measuring wire gauge.
Post by: SavannahLion on July 07, 2013, 04:57:28 pm

What tool is used to measure an unknown wire gauge?

Wikipedia shows a picture of a tool used for such purpose but here's the funny thing, it doesn't give the device name. My wire stripper has a gauge measuring portion but it doesn't go down past 24 gauge or so. I believe that's right where cat5 is.

is it reasonable to estimate smaller gauges if I wrap it around a rod and figure it out from that? Eg 24awg is right around .5mm diameter therefor two turns would be 1 mm width on the rod ergo twenty turns would be about 10 mm. Same for the other diameter gauges?

Title: Re: measuring wire gauge.
Post by: Nephasth on July 07, 2013, 05:26:04 pm

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wire-Gauge-Measuring-Tool-Standard-SWG-1-36-Round-Precision-Measuring-Insturment-/140856855727?hash=item20cbb90caf (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wire-Gauge-Measuring-Tool-Standard-SWG-1-36-Round-Precision-Measuring-Insturment-/140856855727?hash=item20cbb90caf)

Title: Re: measuring wire gauge.
Post by: SavannahLion on July 07, 2013, 05:31:17 pm

Nice one. Thanks. :cheers:

Title: Re: measuring wire gauge.
Post by: DaOld Man on July 09, 2013, 05:08:28 pm

If you have a micrometer, you can measure the diameter of the conductor then use this chart. (Although I dont agree wit the listed curent capacities, so you may need to double check with another source. I googled "meaure wire gauge with a micrometer")

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm (http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm)