wire gauge

[/waɪr ɡeɪdʒ/]
nounpl: wire gauges
calibre de fio / espessura de fio / bitola de fio
1. A standardized measurement system that indicates the diameter and cross-sectional area of electrical wire or cable
The electrician selected a 12-gauge wire for the kitchen circuit.
O eletricista selecionou um fio de calibre 12 para o circuito da cozinha.
2. The tool or instrument used to measure the thickness of wire
Use a wire gauge to verify the diameter of this copper wire.
Use um medidor de bitola de fio para verificar o diâmetro deste fio de cobre.
3. A numerical scale where lower numbers indicate thicker wires and higher numbers indicate thinner wires (in AWG system)
A 14-gauge wire is thinner than a 10-gauge wire.
Um fio de calibre 14 é mais fino que um fio de calibre 10.
Wire gauge is essential in electrical safety standards across both the USA and Brazil. The AWG (American Wire Gauge) system is internationally recognized, though Brazil also uses metric measurements. Understanding proper wire gauge is critical for preventing electrical fires and ensuring circuit safety in residential and commercial installations.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
wire thicknesswire diameterconductor gaugeAWG (American Wire Gauge)

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
calibre de fio / bitola de fio
Most common technical term used in electrical and construction contexts
Rio de Janeiro
bitola do fio
Commonly used among electricians and construction workers
São Paulo
calibre do fio / espessura do condutor
Preferred in industrial and technical specifications
Portugal
secção do fio / calibre do condutor
Portuguese standard uses 'secção' (cross-section) more frequently than Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

amperageelectrical wireconductorcablecircuit breakervoltageAWG system

Related Idioms & Phrases

right gauge for the job
heavy gauge wire
light gauge wire
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