16 AWG vs 18 AWG Wire | Does Wire Gauge Matter to Choose a Power Cord?

“American Wire Gauge“ is the abbreviation for “AWG”. It’s a standard technique for determining the thickness of the wire that will be used in a product. The cross-section of a solid, grounded electrical wire is being measured. The thinner or smaller the wire is, the higher the AWG number.

When building your computer, you’ll probably have to choose between 16AWG and 18AWG cables. You’ve probably read a lot about them when looking for the finest wires to utilize in your designs. Because they are widely accessible and simple to deal with, they are the two most popular sizes chosen by builders.

And that’s why to help you in your decision-making, in this post, we’re delivering all the necessary information that you may need to know before choosing one of them. So, without wasting time, let’s get into them.

What are the Differences Between 16 AWG and 18 AWG Cable?

To determine the best between two several products, it’s mandatory to look for the comparison and differences between them. Therefore, we’re providing you with the comparison and major differences between these two different gauge wires. Now, let’s get into them.

Comparison Table 

Here from the table, you can notice that the 16 AWG wire offers better power and ampere than the 18 AWG wire.

Notable Differences

Now that you see the comparison, it’s time to have a look at the differences –

Type

First of all, you must consider whether the wire is stranded or solid when choosing between 16 AWG and 18 AWG wires for your project. The fact that a wire is 16 AWG does not tell you everything about it. Of course, there is a visual difference between the two sizes, but it isn’t the only difference.

Stranded wires are more flexible than solid wires. If you want the toughness of 16 AWG wire but also want some flexibility, you might be able to achieve it by switching to a stranded 16 AWG wire. At the same time, while threading a solid cable through an aperture, it is firmer and simpler to deal with.

Strength

The strength of stranded and solid power cords is also different. Solid cables are weaker than stranded power cords. If you require the thinness of an 18 AWG wire but are concerned that it won’t be strong enough to handle bending or force, a stranded 18 AWG wire will provide you with the same strength as a 16 AWG wire, but with greater flexibility. It all depends on your specific requirements.

Vibration

You should also consider the number of vibrations that a cable will experience while making your choice. Solid wire is used in most homes, while stranded wiring is used in vehicles, tools, and planes because it can tolerate vibration. Something is more likely to pop with higher vibrations, and the presence of several strands strengthens the overall wire and decreases the need for replacement.

Which One Is Better to Use as a Power Cord – 16 AWG or 18 AWG Wire?

16 AWG wires and 18 AWG wires are interchangeable in many instances, and you may use either in any application. Because they are so similar in size, the variations between them are almost imperceptible, and you won’t notice them. When you separate them into stranded and solid wires, though, you can perceive the differences.

The differences don’t matter all that much when it comes to manufacturing computers and other devices. Finally, you may choose between the two. However, there are certain crucial factors to remember when creating something that affects public safety. Even though it doesn’t look as beautiful, using a thicker wire is necessary.

If you’re still wondering which one is better for you, let us make it convenient for you. You’ve already seen that the 16 AWG is the thicker one and offers better power and ampere. But why so? It’s because the lower the gauge, the better the utilization. Therefore, 16 AWG proves itself superior to the 18 AWG wire. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is 18 AWG wire used for?

There are varieties of usage of the 18 AWG wire. But the most usages are – digital audio, high-power wire in automobiles, apartment electrical wiring, extension cords, home theater, etc. 

How thick is 16 AWG wire?

The 16 AWG wire is 1.291 mm according to metric and 0.0508 inches according to B&S measurement.

Conclusion

As you’ve read this far, it’s quite assumable that you’ve understood which one is better between these wires. In our suggestion, 16 AWG wire is the better one. But that’s not so much significant. Finally, your ultimate decision should always be based on what your construction necessitates. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us if find this post useful.