23 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire specifications: 0.5733 mm diameter, 0.2582 mm² area. Resistance, weight, and common uses.
| Diameter | 0.5733 mm · 0.022572" · 22.57 mils |
| Cross-sectional area | 0.2582 mm² · 510 circular mils |
| Resistance (copper, 20°C) | 66.7803 Ω/km · 20.3546 Ω/1000ft |
| Resistance (aluminum, 20°C) | 109.48 Ω/km · 33.3683 Ω/1000ft |
| Ampacity — copper 60°C | — A |
| Ampacity — copper 75°C | — A |
| Ampacity — copper 90°C | — A |
| Ampacity — aluminum 75°C | — A |
| Weight (copper) | 2.313 kg/km · 1.554 lbs/1000ft |
| Weight (aluminum) | 0.697 kg/km · 0.468 lbs/1000ft |
| Closest IEC 60228 size | 0.2582 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 |
23 AWG wire (0.5733 mm diameter, 0.2582 mm²) is the standard conductor size in Cat 6 Ethernet cable and is also used in Cat 5e. It appears in telephone distribution wiring, patch cables, and structured cabling installations. At this size, it carries data signals rather than power.
No. 23 AWG is the conductor size in Ethernet cables and is designed for data signals at milliamp levels, not electrical power. At 0.5733 mm diameter (0.2582 mm²), it would overheat dangerously on even a 15 A circuit. NEC requires 14 AWG copper minimum for branch circuits. 23 AWG is appropriate only for structured cabling, telephone lines, and similar low-voltage signal wiring.