Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tool for measuring the diameter of wire: A "wire gauge" is a device, typically a flat piece of metal or plastic with notches or holes of precise sizes, used to determine the thickness or diameter of a wire or sheet metal.

Usage

• The primary use of "wire gauge" is to identify the size of an electrical wire, which corresponds to its current-carrying capacity and physical dimensions.
• It is a standard tool in electrical work, metalworking, and crafting.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Before connecting the circuit, the electrician used a wire gauge to check the thickness of the conductor.
  • This wire gauge indicates that the wire is 12 AWG (American Wire Gauge).
  • You need a wire gauge to ensure you're using the correct size wire for that amp fuse.

Advanced Usage

• "To check against a wire gauge": To verify a wire's size by using the tool.
  • Always check the stripped wire against a wire gauge to confirm its size.

Variants and Related Words

• Wire gage: An alternative, less common spelling of "wire gauge."
• American Wire Gauge (AWG): (n) A standardized system for denoting wire diameter, where a lower number indicates a thicker wire. This is the most common system referenced by a wire gauge in North America.
• Sheet metal gauge: (n) A similar tool or standard for measuring the thickness of sheet metal.

Synonyms

• Wire size checker: A descriptive synonym.
• Diameter gauge: A more general term for tools measuring diameter.

Related Phrases

• "What gauge is this wire?": A common question when using a wire gauge.
  • I'm not sure; let me find the wire gauge to see what gauge this wire is.

Noun

1. gauge for measuring the diameter of wire