As the AWG numbers increase, what happens to the wire diameters?

As the American Wire Gauge (AWG) number increases, the wire diameters actually become smaller. This standard gauge system is used to measure the diameter of electrical wires, where a higher AWG number indicates a thinner wire. For example, 20 AWG wire has a larger diameter compared to 30 AWG wire. This relationship is critical for understanding electrical systems, as thinner wires have higher resistance and are suitable for lower current applications, while thicker wires can handle more current without overheating. Recognizing how the wire gauge relates to diameter and current-carrying capacity is essential for technicians when selecting appropriate wires for specific electrical applications.