As the AWG wire gauge gets thicker (the lower the number), what happens to the max current and resistance?

As the American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire gauge gets thicker, which corresponds to a lower number, the maximum current that the wire can safely carry increases, while the resistance of the wire decreases.

Thicker wire has a larger cross-sectional area, leading to less opposition to the flow of electric current. This reduced resistance allows more current to pass through without overheating or causing damage. The relationship between thickness and current-carrying capacity is a critical aspect of electrical safety and efficiency, making it crucial for technicians to understand how wire gauge affects both current limits and resistance.

In contrast, thinner wire (higher number gauge) cannot carry as much current due to its higher resistance, putting it at risk of overheating and potentially causing failures in electrical systems. Therefore, recognizing the implications of wire gauge on current and resistance is essential for effective design and troubleshooting in electronic security installations.