draadgauges

Draadgauges, or wire gauges, denote the instruments and standard tables used to measure and designate wire thickness. They cover both physical measuring tools and standardized gauge systems used in electrical, mechanical, and craft work.

Measuring tools: A common tool is a wire gauge with a set of slots or holes corresponding to specific diameters. The wire is inserted until it fits the slot; the gauge indicates the diameter or gauge number. Some tools are calipers or micrometers used to measure diameter directly.

Standard systems: The most widely used gauge systems are the American Wire Gauge (AWG) in North America and the British Standard Gauge (SWG) in the UK, along with metric equivalents. In AWG, a higher gauge number means a thinner wire; the diameter follows a near-exponential relationship, with D = 0.005 inches × 92^((36−n)/39). Metric gauges provide diameters in millimeters. These systems facilitate specification of electrical resistance, current capacity, and mechanical properties.

Applications and notes: Wire gauges are used to select wire for electrical circuits, cable assemblies, jewelry wire, and wire-wrapping. They also appear in manufacturing and quality control as a quick reference for wire size. Because several gauge standards exist, conversion charts or calculators are commonly used.