What Is The Diameter Of 9 Gauge Wire?

Wire gauge refers to the physical size of a wire. The gauge number specifies the wire diameter, with a higher number indicating a smaller size. Gauge is important for wires because it determines the amount of electric current a wire can safely handle. Using the wrong gauge wire for an application can lead to insufficient power delivery or dangerous overheating. Selecting an appropriate wire gauge is crucial for electrical safety and performance.

The gauge sizing system originated in the 19th century as the number of cylindrical lead billets of specified mass per mile of solid wire. A smaller gauge number indicated a larger wire diameter. In today’s system, larger numbers still indicate smaller wire sizes. For example, 12 AWG wire has a larger diameter than 14 AWG wire.

Definition of Wire Gauge

Wire gauge refers to the physical diameter of the conductor inside a cable or wire. The gauge measurement system is also known as the American Wire Gauge (AWG). The gauge number gets larger as the diameter gets smaller. So a higher gauge number like 20 indicates a thinner wire, while a lower gauge number like 10 indicates a thicker wire.

Wire gauge is important in electrical wiring as it determines the amount of electric current a wire can safely carry. Thicker wires can carry more current. According to Definitions.net, wire gauge specifically refers to the diameter of the metal conductor inside the insulating jacket of the cable.

9 Gauge Wire Specifications

The diameter range for 9 gauge wire is 0.101-0.115 inches according to the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard [1]. Specifically, 9 gauge wire has a nominal diameter of 0.111 inches.

The actual diameter range accounts for allowable manufacturing tolerances. So while the nominal diameter is 0.111 inches, the measured diameter may be between 0.101-0.115 inches and still qualify as 9 gauge.

The diameter gets smaller as the gauge number increases. So 9 gauge wire has a larger diameter than 10 gauge wire, which has a nominal diameter of 0.102 inches.

The AWG standard provides a system for specifying wire diameters, where each gauge number corresponds to a standard diameter range. This allows for consistency across manufacturers when purchasing wire according to gauge size.

Typical Uses for 9 Gauge Wire

9 gauge wire has many common uses, thanks to its thickness and durability:

• Fencing – 9 gauge is a popular choice for tension wires in chain link fencing. The thickness helps the fence retain shape and strength over time.
• Construction – Tying rebar, securing scaffolding, and bracing framework often utilize 9 gauge wire for its tensile strength.
• Agriculture – For building livestock pens and pasture fencing, the rigidness of 9 gauge works well.
• Automotive – Certain auto body parts can be shaped and supported using 9 gauge wire.
• Crafts – Some hobbyists choose this thicker wire for jewelry making, sculpture, and other art projects.
• Electrical – While not typically used for household wiring, 9 gauge has applications in industrial-scale electrical work.

The combination of flexibility, sturdiness, and affordability makes 9 gauge one of the most widely used wire thicknesses for DIY, construction, and industrial applications.

Advantages of 9 Gauge

9 gauge wire has many advantages that make it preferable for certain uses over both thicker and thinner wire. Some key advantages are:

Compared to thinner wires like 12 or 14 gauge, 9 gauge wire is stronger and more durable. This makes it well-suited for high tension applications like perimeter or boundary fencing for livestock or large animals. The higher strength means it can withstand force from cattle, horses, etc. trying to push through the fence ¹.

Unlike very thick wires like 4 or 6 gauge, 9 gauge wire is still flexible enough to work with and tie off. This makes it easier to install and construct fences using common fencing tools and techniques ².

The diameter of 9 gauge allows for visibility that thinner wire lacks. This can help ward off animals and trespassers. At the same time, it avoids the extreme thickness and rigidity of wires like 4 gauge.

Overall, 9 gauge hits a nice balance between strength, flexibility, visibility, and ease of use that makes it a versatile choice for fencing and other applications needing a durable wire.

Disadvantages of 9 Gauge Wire

While 9 gauge wire has many benefits, it also comes with some drawbacks to consider:

Cost – According to this Quora discussion, 9 gauge wire tends to be more expensive than smaller gauges since more copper is used in its production. The larger size means you’ll need more wire to complete projects.

Stiffness and Inflexibility – The thickness of 9 gauge wire makes it stiffer and less maneuverable than smaller gauges. This can make installing 9 gauge wire more difficult, especially when working in tight spaces or conduit. The stiffness also means 9 gauge wire is harder to bend and shape.

Overkill for Light Duty Applications – Using 9 gauge wire where a smaller 12 or 14 gauge would suffice is overkill. The added cost and stiffness of 9 gauge are unnecessary for basic household 15 to 20 amp circuits.

Heavier and More Difficult to Install – In addition to stiffness, the large physical size and weight of 9 gauge wire makes it more cumbersome to install compared to smaller gauges. More time and effort is required.

While advantageous for heavy duty electrical applications, the downsides of expense, stiffness, and difficulty of installation should be considered when selecting 9 gauge wire.

Insulation Types

Different types of insulation are commonly used for 9 gauge wire, including:

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – PVC is one of the most widely used insulation materials ¹. It is flexible, durable, and inexpensive. PVC provides good electrical insulation properties and resistance to moisture, chemical corrosion and abrasion.

XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) – XLPE offers high temperature resistance, stability and excellent electrical insulating properties ¹. It has very low dielectric loss which makes it suitable for power cables. XLPE is moisture resistant.

PFA (perfluoroalkoxy alkane) – PFA provides continuous high temperature operation up to 260°C ¹. It offers excellent chemical resistance and electrical properties. PFA is often used in high temperature applications.

FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) – FEP has outstanding heat resistance and performs well in extreme temperatures from -190°C to 200°C ¹. It provides excellent electrical insulation and chemical inertness.

The choice of insulation material depends on factors like maximum operating temperature, chemical exposure, flexibility needs and cost. PVC is common for general use, while XLPE, PFA and FEP offer high heat resistance.

Cost Comparison

9 gauge wire is more expensive than thinner, lower gauge wires but cheaper than thicker, higher gauge wires. The exact price can vary between retailers, but expect to pay approximately $0.75 to $1.25 per foot for 9 gauge THHN stranded copper wire with a THHN insulation.

By comparison, 12 gauge wire may cost around $0.40 to $0.60 per foot and 6 gauge wire around $1.50 to $2.50 per foot. The price difference is directly related to the amount of copper needed for each gauge. More copper equals higher cost.

When purchasing wire, also consider the insulation type. THHN plastic insulation is common for 9 gauge wire, but other options like XHHW may add slightly to the cost.

Overall, 9 gauge offers a good balance of sufficient thickness and ampacity without getting prohibitively expensive. While thinner gauges may seem cheaper upfront, they may not provide enough power capacity for the intended application.

Safety Considerations

Working with 9 gauge wire requires taking proper safety precautions. This thicker wire can pose hazards if not handled carefully.

Make sure to wear thick gloves and long sleeves when handling 9 gauge wire. The thick insulation can be difficult to grip and the wire itself has sharp edges that can cut skin. Consider wearing safety goggles as well to protect your eyes.

Take care when stripping 9 gauge wire. Use proper wire strippers meant for this gauge – do not try to use pliers or scissors. Stripping the wire improperly can lead to frayed strands that pose a shock risk.

Have electrical panels and breakers fully shut off when working with 9 gauge wire for a home or office wiring project. Verify power is off with a multimeter before touching any live wires during installation or repair work.

Coil up or secure any excess 9 gauge wire during a project to avoid tripping hazards. The thick cable can be a dangerous obstacle on the floor.

Never exceed the amperage rating for 9 gauge wire. Overloading the circuit can lead to overheating and fire. Refer to local electrical codes for proper wire sizing.

With proper handling and electrical safety knowledge, 9 gauge wire can be worked with safely. Make sure to use care when handling, stripping, installing, or repairing.

Conclusion

In summary, 9 gauge wire has a diameter of 0.1524 cm or 0.06 inches. It is a medium gauge wire that offers a balance of current carrying capacity, versatility, and ease of installation and handling. Key highlights about 9 gauge wire include:

• Good for wiring 15-20 amp branch circuits or sub-panels in homes
• Can support up to 55 amps continuously
• Thick but still flexible enough for pulling through walls and conduits
• Less voltage drop than smaller gauges over long wire runs
• Costs moderately more than 12 or 14 gauge wire

Based on its specifications and properties, 9 gauge wire can be recommended for the following uses:

• Wiring major household appliances like ranges, ovens, dryers
• Powering sub-panels, outlets and lighting on 15-20 amp circuits
• Short in-home wiring runs for hot tubs and pool equipment
• HVAC equipment wiring
• Installations where less voltage drop is preferred

Taking into account current needs, distance, safety and cost considerations, 9 gauge wire can provide an optimal balance of capabilities for many residential and light commercial wiring projects.