16 mm² metric wire specifications (IEC 60228): 4.514 mm diameter, 61A ampacity (copper, IEC 60364-5-52 method A1, PVC, 2 loaded), closest AWG equivalent is 5. Resistance, weight, and common uses.
| Cross-sectional area | 16 mm² |
| Diameter (solid equivalent) | 4.514 mm |
| Closest AWG equivalent | 5 AWG |
| Ampacity (copper, IEC 60364-5-52 method A1, PVC, 2 loaded) | 61 A |
| Ampacity (aluminum) | 49 A |
| Max resistance (copper, 20°C, IEC 60228 class 2) | 1.15 Ω/km |
| Max resistance (aluminium, 20°C, IEC 60228) | 1.91 Ω/km |
| Weight (copper) | 143.36 kg/km |
| Weight (aluminum) | 43.2 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 16 mm² is 5 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.
16 mm² metric wire (IEC 60228) is rated 61A (copper, IEC 60364-5-52 method A1, PVC, 2 loaded) and is commonly used for commercial circuits, large motors, industrial lighting. Its diameter is 4.514 mm. The closest AWG equivalent is 5-6 AWG.
16 mm² wire is approximately equivalent to 5-6 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.