10 mm² metric wire specifications (IEC 60228): 3.568 mm diameter, 46A ampacity (copper, IEC 60364-5-52 method A1, PVC, 2 loaded), closest AWG equivalent is 7. Resistance, weight, and common uses.
| Cross-sectional area | 10 mm² |
| Diameter (solid equivalent) | 3.568 mm |
| Closest AWG equivalent | 7 AWG |
| Ampacity (copper, IEC 60364-5-52 method A1, PVC, 2 loaded) | 46 A |
| Ampacity (aluminum) | 36 A |
| Max resistance (copper, 20°C, IEC 60228 class 2) | 1.83 Ω/km |
| Max resistance (aluminium, 20°C, IEC 60228) | 3.08 Ω/km |
| Weight (copper) | 89.6 kg/km |
| Weight (aluminum) | 27.0 kg/km |
The IEC 60228 metric system specifies wire by cross-sectional area in mm², while AWG uses a gauge number system. The closest AWG equivalent to 10 mm² is 7 AWG, but they are not exactly the same size.
Metric sizes are standard in Europe, Asia, Australia, and most countries outside North America. When replacing or matching wire between systems, always verify the actual cross-sectional area rather than relying on approximate equivalents.
10 mm² metric wire (IEC 60228) is rated 46A (copper, IEC 60364-5-52 method A1, PVC, 2 loaded) and is commonly used for electric showers, large cookers, small commercial loads. Its diameter is 3.568 mm. The closest AWG equivalent is 7 AWG.
10 mm² wire is approximately equivalent to 7 AWG in the American Wire Gauge system. Note that IEC and AWG sizes do not align exactly — when substituting, choose the AWG size with equal or greater cross-sectional area to ensure adequate ampacity.