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Wire Math

Guide

AWG vs mm² for UK Installers

Practical guidance for handling imported AWG cable specs while keeping mm² as the primary UK sizing unit.

Overview

For UK electricians and installers, mm² is the working language. Use AWG as a bridge when dealing with imported products, then return to metric for the actual engineering decision.

Why This Matters on UK Jobs

Imported equipment data sheets often list AWG even when the rest of your project is metric. In UK workflows, AWG is a translation step, while mm² remains the decision unit for design, procurement, and handover.

If you treat AWG and mm² as exact equivalents, you can end up with avoidable confusion on cable selection and voltage-drop checks.

Practical Workflow

Start from the manufacturer AWG value, convert to mm², and then map to the nearest UK ladder size that fits your design intent.

After conversion, validate the run against current, length, and temperature assumptions rather than signing off based on gauge label alone.

UK Example

When a product lead says 'AWG 12 minimum', convert first, then document the chosen mm² size in your quote and worksheet. This keeps your paperwork aligned with UK conventions and reduces ambiguity during install and maintenance.

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References