How are cable sizes measured?

There are multiple standards for cable sizing. In Australia, we typically use Metric/ISO sizing, which is measured in mm². All Enerdrive documents that provide cable size examples use this cable sizing standard.

Auto Cable is also measured in mm², however the size used in the cable name and the actual size of the conductor are different. For example, 5mm² Auto Cable has an actual area of 2.9mm². Finally, American Wire Gauge (AWG) is the sizing standard used in North America and is very common when looking at marine applications. AWG values range from 18 AWG at the smallest to 4/0 (also written 0000) at the largest.

These cable sizing standards do not have exact equivalents to each other, but the table below lists Metric cable sizing and its closest equivalent sizes in AWG and Auto Cable. The current carrying ratings are approximate and vary depending on the cable manufacturer.