How Big is 18 Gauge Wire with Shielding?
Determining the size of 18-gauge wire with shielding requires understanding several factors. The "size" can refer to the diameter of the conductor itself, the overall diameter including the shielding, and even the overall dimensions considering any insulation layers beyond the shielding. Let's break it down:
Understanding Wire Gauge:
The gauge number (like 18 AWG) is an inverse measurement; the lower the gauge, the thicker the wire. 18 gauge wire is a relatively common size used in various applications. However, the precise diameter varies slightly depending on the material and manufacturing tolerances. A general rule of thumb is that 18 AWG wire has a diameter of approximately 1.02 mm (or about 0.040 inches). This refers to the bare copper conductor before any insulation or shielding is added.
The Impact of Shielding:
Shielding adds to the overall diameter of the wire. The type of shielding used significantly influences the final size. Common shielding materials include:
- Braided shielding: This type of shielding consists of interwoven metallic strands. It's flexible but offers less effective shielding compared to foil. The added diameter from braided shielding can range from a few hundredths of an inch to several tenths, depending on the number and thickness of the braided strands.
- Foil shielding: Foil shielding is a thin layer of metal foil wrapped around the conductor. It provides better shielding than braided shielding but is less flexible. The added diameter from foil shielding is relatively thin, typically adding only a few thousandths of an inch.
Determining the Overall Dimensions:
To determine the precise overall size of your 18-gauge wire with shielding, you'll need to look at the specific specifications provided by the manufacturer. This information should be available in datasheets or product documentation. The datasheet will specify the outside diameter (OD) of the shielded wire. It's important to note that even the OD can vary slightly depending on factors such as the insulation material and its thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions (Based on common search queries)
What is the diameter of 18 AWG wire with shielding?
There's no single answer to this. The diameter depends on the type and thickness of the shielding (braided or foil) and the insulation layer(s) present. You'll need to consult the manufacturer's specifications for the precise dimensions.
How much bigger is shielded 18 AWG wire than unshielded?
The increase in diameter will vary greatly depending on the shielding type and thickness. It could be a few hundredths of an inch for foil, or several tenths of an inch for braided shielding.
Is 18 AWG wire with shielding thicker than 16 AWG wire without shielding?
Possibly. A 16 AWG wire is thicker than an 18 AWG wire. However, the added diameter from shielding an 18 AWG wire could potentially make it comparable in size or even larger than an unshielded 16 AWG wire, depending on the type and amount of shielding. Again, comparing the manufacturer's specified OD is crucial.
What are the typical applications for 18 AWG shielded wire?
18 AWG shielded wire is often used in applications requiring protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This includes applications like:
- Audio cables: to reduce noise and hum
- Data cables: to maintain signal integrity and prevent data corruption
- Instrumentation: in environments with high electromagnetic fields
- Control systems: where noise could affect performance
In conclusion, while the base diameter of 18 AWG wire is approximately 1.02 mm, the size with shielding significantly depends on the specific type and amount of shielding used. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications to obtain the accurate dimensions of the particular wire you are working with.
