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The 22 AWG wire diameter refers to the gauge and thickness of the wire, where 22 stands for 22 American Wire Gauge and AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. The number indicates that the wire is 0.64 mm or 0.025 inches in diameter. This wire thickness is often used for carrying low amounts of current over short distances. Thus, it can be used for small electrical jobs, and in electronics and communication lines.
22 AWG wire is usually used in different materials. Each material has unique properties that suit different applications. Here are the most common types of wires:
Copper 22 AWG Wire
Copper is the most common choice for 22 AWG wire due to its excellent conductivity. Because of its conductivity, copper can transmit current efficiently with little power loss. Also, copper is very flexible, making it easy to bend and shape without breaking. Because of these properties, copper 22 AWG wire has applications in residential electrical wiring, where the current would not be huge, and for connecting devices in electronics.
Stranded 22 AWG Wire
As opposed to single-core 22 AWG wire, stranded wire is composed of many finer strands twisted together to form a wire. While stranded wire is slightly thicker since it is more flexible, it is more adaptable than its solid counterpart. Because of its flexibility, stranded wire is preferred in applications where the wire has to be moved, bent, or twisted frequently. Some of these applications are: touch panels and quite a number of portable electronic devices.
Galvanized Steel 22 AWG Wire
Galvanized steel wire, while not as conductive as copper, is much stronger and more durable. It is corrosion-resistant because it is coated with a layer of zinc. These two properties make it suitable for outdoor or harsh environmental use. While 22 AWG wires are useful for many electrical applications. Galvanized steel wire is primarily used for security fencing and other structural applications. In these applications, it is more important to have physical strength and longevity, not conductivity.
Tinned Copper 22 AWG Wire
Tinned copper wire is pure copper wire coated with a thin layer of tin to prevent corrosion, particularly in marine or humid environments.
22 AWG wire is valued for its versatility, especially in applications requiring flexibility and moderate current-carrying capacity. Some industrial applications are:
Control Systems
22 AWG wire is used for internal wiring in control panels and other control systems to convey control signals. These systems do not require a lot of current but need reliable signal transmission. This is because 22 AWG wire provides a good compromise between signal carrying capacity and flexibility.
Communication Cables
22 AWG wire is commonly used in the construction of telephone and data cables. For example, it is used for twisted pair copper wiring used in older phone systems and basic Ethernet (10Base-T and 100Base-TX) cable constructions. Because of its low skin depth, its diameter is suitable for signal transmissions over short distances without much interference.
Automotive Wiring
In automotive applications, 22 AWG wire is used for various low power circuits such as lighting, instrumentation, and control systems. Because of its flexibility, it is easy to install in tight and flexible spaces in modern vehicles.
Industrial Equipment
The wire is commonly found in components of industrial equipment such as sensors, actuators, motors, and other electronic devices. It is often used to connect parts in applications where the equipment operates at a low to moderate power level.
22 AWG wire is a fine wire that is useful for transporting moderate electric current. It is ideal for low voltage, small current applications. That makes it useful in many day-to-day situations. Here are some common areas where 22 AWG wire is used:
Home Electrical Systems
In homes, 22 AWG wire is mostly applied in low voltage wiring and control circuitry. For example, it is connected to a thermostat for heating or cooling systems. It is also used for intercoms, doorbells, and low voltage lighting systems. In these systems, the current does not have to be very high, and the wire can carry the required current with low power loss.
Craft and Hobbies
Because of its flexibility and ease of handling, 22 AWG wire is commonly used in many crafting and model-building activities. For example, wire is used in jewelry making, model construction, and creating art sculptures. As stated earlier, the wire’s flexibility makes it easy to bend into different shapes without breaking. It is also lightweight and will not add so much to the overall weight.
Vehicle Wiring
In situations where there is low to moderate electric current, such as internal lights and speaker systems, 22 AWG wire is used in vehicles, boats, and airplanes. Since it is very flexible, it is very easy to use in spaces that are compact and/or require frequent bending. This ability to be bent comes in very handy for wiring harnesses and internal controls.
Low Voltage Outdoor Applications
22 AWG wire is used for low voltage outdoor lighting systems and irrigation control systems, where the fine wire is better than larger wires. The smaller diameter has less tendency to be accidentally damaged during installation in soil or other outdoor conditions that may want to break the wire. It can handle the low currents required by these systems nicely without much power loss.
Handmade Products
22 AWG wire is commonly used in arts and crafts products like mixed media art, sculptures, and jewelry. Since it is fine enough for easy manipulation, it can be bent into intricate designs and shapes that will combine with other materials. Because it is lightweight, it will not add too much weight to the product.
When choosing the right type of 22 AWG wire, some factors should be considered. These factors largely depend on the type of application the wire is going to be put to. Below are the factors to consider when choosing the wire:
Material
22 AWG copper wire is a great conductor compared to galvanized steel. So, for applications that require excellent conductivity, copper wire is the best choice. 22 AWG galvanized steel wire provides great tensile strength and is more durable than copper wire. Thus, it is great for applications in harsh and outdoor environments. For corrosion resistance with conductivity, 22 AWG tinned copper wire is the best option.
Flexibility
Copper wire is more flexible than steel wire, an important point to consider for applications requiring frequent bending. If the wire is to be used in electronic devices, especially those that are portable and involve moving parts, choose copper or stranded wires. They are more flexible than 22 AWG galvanized steel wire.
Current Carrying Capacity
All the types of 22 AWG wire have the same current-carrying capacity. It is about 5 amperes for most applications and 7 amperes for short periods in many electrical or electronic applications. However, if the wire is insulated, it may be up to 3-4 amperes higher.
Environmental Factors
Consider the environment where the wire will be installed. If it will be exposed to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures, choose a type that can resist these factors. For applications in marine environments or areas with high humidity, choose tinned copper wire. It has excellent corrosion resistance.
Strength and Durability
Steel wire, particularly galvanized steel wire, is stronger than copper wire. If physical strength and durability are primary considerations, 22 AWG galvanized steel wire is a better choice. It is better in conditions where abrasion, chemical exposure, and other damaging factors occur.
A1. AWG simply means American Wire Gauge. It is the system to measure the diameter or gauge of the wire in this case. The lower the number of the gauge, the thicker the wire. The higher the number, the narrower the wire gets. For example, 22 AWG wire is 0.025 inches or 0.64 mm in diameter.
A2. There are several common applications of the 22 AWG wire. It is often found in home electrical wiring, low-voltage outdoor lighting systems, and vehicle wiring. It is still used in electronic devices, communications cables, and even arts and crafts or modeling. It is particularly useful for low power internal currents and is flexible in its usage. For example, 22 AWG wire for LED strips.
A3. 22 AWG copper wire has three great advantages, namely flexibility, conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Its flexibility allows it to be bent without breaking, making it ideal for tight spaces and complicated shapes. Copper wire easily conducts electric current, with little to no loss. Lastly, copper is highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring it maintains its conductivity for a long time.
A4. In most applications, 22 AWG wire can handle about 5 amperes of electrical current. It can carry up to 7 amperers for short bursts.
