A wire gauge works as a reference guide to wire size. It can come with a range of diameter measurements depending on the type of wire gauge used. The diameter of wire can be measured with either an American or British gauge, or in imperial or metric units.
An American wire gauge has a list of gauge measurements on one side and inches on the other. The British standard wire gauge, however, has its own set of gauge measurements on one side and millimetres on the other.
The notches on an American wire gauge are set at different intervals to a British standard wire gauge so they are not interchangeable. The best way to avoid confusion is to look up AWG and SWG measurements in a table which cross references gauge number and corresponding millimetres and inches.
It works by positioning the wire so that it has a tight fit against the sides of the slot. It should fit naturally and should not be forced. Forcing the wire may result in an incorrect measurement.
