How Big Is 18 Gauge Wire with Shielding?
Understanding the size of 18 gauge wire, especially when it includes shielding, requires clarifying a few points. We'll address the physical dimensions and the implications of the shielding.
Understanding Gauge:
First, let's be clear about what "18 gauge" means. Gauge is a measure of wire diameter, and it works inversely: the smaller the gauge number, the thicker the wire. An 18 gauge wire is relatively thin, suitable for many applications but not the heaviest-duty power transmission.
Physical Dimensions of Unshielded 18 Gauge Wire:
The exact diameter of 18 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire varies slightly depending on the material (copper, aluminum, etc.) and manufacturer tolerances. However, a good approximation for the diameter of bare 18 AWG copper wire is around 1.02 mm (or roughly 0.04 inches).
The Impact of Shielding:
The addition of shielding significantly alters the overall dimensions. Shielding, typically a braided metal mesh or foil, adds to the wire's diameter. The amount of added size depends on the type and thickness of the shielding material. Therefore, there's no single definitive answer to the size of a shielded 18 AWG wire.
Estimating the Size of Shielded 18 Gauge Wire:
To estimate the size, you'd need to know the specifics of the shielding. For example:
- Type of Shielding: Is it a braided shield, a foil shield, or a combination? Braided shields generally add more to the overall diameter than foil.
- Thickness of Shielding: A thicker shield naturally results in a larger overall diameter.
Let's assume a typical braided shield. In such a case, you could expect the overall diameter of the shielded 18 AWG wire to be somewhere in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm (or roughly 0.06 to 0.08 inches). This is just an estimate; the actual size will depend on the specifics of the cable's construction.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the outer diameter of a shielded 18 gauge wire?
As explained above, there's no single answer. The outer diameter varies greatly depending on the type and thickness of the shielding material used. You'll need to consult the cable's specifications to find the precise outer diameter.
How does shielding affect the flexibility of 18 gauge wire?
Shielding typically reduces the flexibility of the wire compared to unshielded wire because the shielding material adds rigidity. The degree of reduced flexibility depends on the type and thickness of the shielding.
What are the benefits of shielding on an 18-gauge wire?
Shielding protects the wire from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This is crucial in applications where signal integrity is paramount. It helps minimize noise and signal degradation.
Can I use shielded 18 gauge wire for high-current applications?
18 gauge wire, even with shielding, is not generally recommended for high-current applications. Its relatively small diameter limits its current-carrying capacity, potentially leading to overheating and safety hazards. For high-current needs, use thicker gauge wire.
To get the precise dimensions of a specific shielded 18 AWG wire, always refer to the manufacturer's specifications or datasheet provided with the cable. The datasheet will usually list the key dimensions, including the outer diameter.
