I've come across some wire that is probably 30 years old and is marked14 gauge. The minimum gauge I want snaking around the house is 12gauge, so I was about to pull it out when I noticed that the copper isabout as thick as new 12 gauge (and thicker than new 14 gauge). Is thecopper thinner now because of improvements in the manufacturingprocess, or something? Is the wire rated by thickness or by currentcarrying capacity? If it is current carrying capacity, then are theyusing thinner wire because newer copper is a better conductor? Thisisn't the plastic insulation I'm talking about, it's about the copperitself.

Gauge is actually a measurement of thickness, just like inches and feet area measurement of length. I don't think it has ever changed. Did you put agauge measuring tool on both?

In on Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:02:21 -0700, Bob F wrote:Four more. Every 2 years for 8 more years.

Old wire thicker than new wire?

Jan 26, 2006 Last reply: 1 year ago 65 Replies

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Ed Pawlowski 3 years ago

Union rats

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trader_4 3 years ago

Those union rats must chew up AFCIs too. They are now part of code and if a wire is chewed they should kick off before any arcing can start a fire, which would mean Romex should be OK today.

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hah 3 years ago

That's some strange wire. It shrinks while staying the same size.

[snip]

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Scott Lurndal 3 years ago

The diameter of the metallic wire has not changed. The diameter of the thermoplastic insulation has been reduced.

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micky 3 years ago

Four more.

Every 2 years for 8 more years.

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Rev 1 year ago

1000 MCM 15KV shielded Triplex in cold weather ;)

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