Nowadays, when it comes to electrical wires, one size definitely does not fit all. There are some electrical wires designed for specific purposes. In this blog article, we find out which 16-gauge electrical cable you should buy if you want high performance!
When Should I Replace My Electrical Wire
16 AWG has been the most popular electrical wire for the last decade because it is much stronger and longer-lasting than cables of smaller gauge. If you are considering updating your wiring, 16 AWG steel wire is a safe investment. It won’t kink in corners as much as flexible wire and it has been shown to have improved insulation quality based on its thicker gauge.
How Often Should I Replace My Electrical Wire
Electrical wires are easily damaged and do need to be replaced. If you live in a five-story building, even one drop of rain can cause a short circuit. It is recommended that you should replace your electrical wire at least once every six months or so to avoid forming a booster ring, which poses fire hazards and electrical issues.
When Should You Consider Repairing Your Electrical Work
One way to prevent the damage that an electrical fire can do is to replace any wiring that is even close to it. 16 AWG wires are usually more durable than 4-gauge and 10-gauge wires. They can also contain more current for high-voltage applications. Installing 16 AWG wires on new circuits will help you avoid expensive repairs from fire or power surges.
Advances in Wire Cable Qualities
The 16 AWG electrical wire is one of the most commonly found sizes of electrical wire. It has an inner core with polypropylene insulation. This material is highly resistant to rubbing, abrasion, or kinking and makes it a good choice for wiring in applications that see fire or liquid contacts such as in substations and other power conductors.
Materials
A 16 AWG wire is smaller than an 18 AWG wire. In capacitance, the effective cross-sectional area is smaller due to the cancellation of holes leading to size reductions. There is this all true in theory, but there are materials’ manufacturing processes and other factors that will counter any losses that may result due to smaller size.
Weight & Size, Price
It may not seem like a big deal, but a 16 AWG wire weighs about 70% less than an 18 AWG wire. Those who prefer heavier wires will not appreciate the ability to hang their installations mildly off the floor by utilizing 16 AWGs. Coasting on heavy wires is also slightly more difficult.
Conclusion
Electrical wire is a versatile material that comes in many sizes to meet a wide variety of needs. From homes and industry, electrical wire can’t be left out of your investment to success. There are 9 reasons why you should invest in 16 AWG electrical wires.
