22 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire specifications: 0.6438 mm diameter, 0.3255 mm² area. Resistance, weight, and common uses.
| Diameter | 0.6438 mm · 0.025347" · 25.35 mils |
| Cross-sectional area | 0.3255 mm² · 642 circular mils |
| Resistance (copper, 20°C) | 52.9591 Ω/km · 16.1419 Ω/1000ft |
| Resistance (aluminum, 20°C) | 86.8184 Ω/km · 26.4622 Ω/1000ft |
| Ampacity — copper 60°C | — A |
| Ampacity — copper 75°C | — A |
| Ampacity — copper 90°C | — A |
| Ampacity — aluminum 75°C | — A |
| Weight (copper) | 2.917 kg/km · 1.96 lbs/1000ft |
| Weight (aluminum) | 0.879 kg/km · 0.591 lbs/1000ft |
| Closest IEC 60228 size | 0.3255 mm² actual — smaller than 0.5 mm², the smallest IEC 60228 size |
| Skin depth at 60 Hz | 8.531 mm |
| Type | Temperature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PVC | 60-105°C | General purpose insulation |
| Teflon (PTFE) | 200°C | High temperature applications |
| Silicone | 200°C | Flexible, high temperature |
| Enamel | 155-220°C | Magnet wire coating |
22 AWG copper is used for signal wire, LED strips and doorbell wire. It is a low-voltage size and is not permitted for 120V building branch circuits. Diameter is 0.644 mm and cross-section 0.326 mm².
22 AWG is not listed in NEC Table 310.16, so it has no code ampacity for building wiring. Commonly cited guidance is about 7A for a single conductor in free air (chassis wiring) and about 0.92A when bundled for power transmission. In long low-voltage runs, voltage drop usually limits it first.