Size Of Wire

[gringo]

I am building a house in Mexico. I had a friend bring me from the States several rolls of #14 wire, single strand. When looking at it, I am amazed at how thin the wire is. I would guess it to be a #16 or even #18. Has the electrical wire industry changed over the years with 'smaller being better' or is there another explanation?

Thank you.
Paul

 

[pushrod]

I am building a house in Mexico. I had a friend bring me from the States several rolls of #14 wire, single strand. When looking at it, I am amazed at how thin the wire is. I would guess it to be a #16 or even #18. Has the electrical wire industry changed over the years with 'smaller being better' or is there another explanation?

Thank you.
Paul[/QUOTE

Sorry 'm afraid]those sizes mean nothing to us in the uK - we are on metric millimetres!
lighting in the UK is normally about 1.5 mm and power 2.5 to 4mm
- cookers about 6mm and showers 6-10 mm depending on power.

 

[oldtimer]

#14 awg = 2.00mm=15 amps
#16 awg=1.0mm=12 amps
#18 awg=0.75mm=6 amps

Also UK voltage 230vac 50 Hz US voltage 120/240vac 60 Hz

But speaking to my Texas master electrician in Mexico anything goes