What AWG means
AWG, the American wire gauge, is the sizing system for copper and aluminum wire. A smaller gauge number means a thicker wire.
Also called American wire gauge, wire gauge.
Where it matters on a electrical job
Wire size has to match the breaker and the load, and long runs may need to go up a size for voltage drop. Write the gauge on the estimate, because upsizing wire on a long run is real money in copper.
What it costs
Jobs that involve AWG are priced in the rewiring a house cost guide: about $9,150 typical, usually $6,650 to $11,500. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price. The voltage drop calculator prices a job line by line.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Voltage drop calculator
- Cost guide: Rewiring a house cost
- Licensing: Electrical license rules by state
- Tools, templates and guides: Free electrical resources