Welding cables have been a fundamental tool in the welding industry for many years. They assist in providing the necessary power to carry out welding processes or the transmission of electric current to the welding tips.
In fact, the American Welding Society estimates that there are over 400,000 welders employed in the United States alone, many of whom regularly use welding cable of varying gauge sizes to do their job. But what is the right size of welding cable for a project? Judging by the variety of sizes available on the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed.
In this article, we will look further into what gauge is welding cable and its primary characteristics to assist welders in selecting the most suitable one.
What Gauge Is Welding Cable?
Welding cable is a type of electrical cable used in welding applications.It is most commonly used to connect the welding machine to the power source, as well as to link the individual components of a welding set-up. The thickness of welding cable is measured in gauge, and different sizes and types of welding cable are available depending on the application.
Types of Welding Cable
Different types of welding cable are available, including:- AC or alternating current welding cable is used for small welders and is usually lighter gauge
- DC or direct current welding cable is usually for larger welders and is usually heavy gauge
- YC or yellow cord welding cable is designed to be flexible, and is typically available in gauges up to 10
- THHN/THWN cable, which stands for thermal heat, humidity and oil resistancy, is a type of AC/DC welding cable and is also available in a variety of gauges
Measuring Cable Gage
The thickness of welding cable is measured in AWG, which stands for American Wire Gauge.A smaller number usually indicates a thicker wire; for example a 4 AWG cable is much thicker than a 12 AWG cable. Thicker cables, such as 4 AWG, are better for high amperage applications, whereas thinner cables, such as 12 AWG, are better for lower amperage applications.
Choosing the Right Gauge for Your Application
When choosing the right welding cable for your application, it is important to consider the current (amperage) and voltage requirements of your welding equipment. This will help you to determine the gauge of the cable you will need. Generally, thicker cables are able to withstand and transmit higher levels of current, while thinner cables may be more suitable for low amperage applications.Conclusion
In summary, welding cable is a type of specialised cable used in welding applications. It is available in a variety of sizes and types, and the gauge of welding cable is measured in AWG.When choosing the right welding cable for your application, it is important to consider the current and voltage requirements of your welding equipment in order to determine the most suitable gauge. Citation URL: https://en. wikipedia.
org/wiki/Welding_cablehttps://www. weldersupply. com/wire-feeders-and-accessories/welding-cable-sized-by-gauge. html