22 AWG wire is a thin, low current electrical copper wire for low voltage applications such as electronics and LED lighting.
The 22 AWG copper wire has a capacity of 7 amps in free air and up to 5 amps either bundled. 22 AWG wires are typically run short distances, so voltage drop is not a major concern. Most applications where 22 AWG wire is used will only require 1-3 amps of DC current.
The approximate diameter of 22 AWG wire is 0.0253 inch (0.643 mm) for solid wire and 0.030 inch (0.762 mm) for stranded wire.
common 22 AWG wire applications
electronics
Circuit boards: To connect components on PCBs.
Prototypes In hobbyist projects such as Arduino.
Sensors and actuators: Connecting low-power sensors and motor actuators.
LED strips
Power supply to the lamps: Suitable for short trips in low current lighting settings.
Signal wires: For RGB controllers and similar systems.
Communications
Telephone lines: Common in older telephone installations.
Signal transmission: Low power data and control signals in communications systems.
Automotive applications
Low current circuits: For interior lighting, switches or small electronic modules.
Sound systems
Low power speakers: Used for small, low-power speaker connections.
Signal cables: In the headphones or microphone lines.
Robots and drones
Control wires: To transmit signals to motors, machines and sensors.
Security systems
Alarm wires: For low-current connections to sensors and boards.
Access controls: For card readers and small keyboards.
Medical equipment
Used in portable diagnostic devices and low-power medical instruments.
Home automation
For low power communications in smart home settings.
General purpose wire
Test equipment: Temporary connections during testing or troubleshooting.
Low voltage DC applications: Operating small DC devices such as fans or relays.
Common types of 22 AWG wire
Binding wire
is used: Internal connections in electronic devices, devices and control panels.
Differences: Available in solid or stranded forms with PVC, silicone or Teflon insulation.
Shielded wire
is used: Reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) in audio, data transmission and communications systems.
Differences: Shielding can include layers of foil or braided.
Twisted pair wire
is used: Reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) in communications and low-noise signaling applications (e.g., Ethernet and low-power data transmission).
ribbon cable (flat cable)
is usedParallel connectors for embedded and structured electronic communications, computing, and robotics.
Differences: Insulation is usually PVC or silicone.
High temperature wire
is used: Aerospace and industrial environments under extreme temperatures.
Differences: Insulators resistant to chemicals and high temperaturesHe loves Teflon or silicone.
Small coaxial cable
is usedTransmission of radio frequency and video signals in specialized electronic devices.
Differences: Includes a 22 AWG core with shielding and insulation to reduce signal loss.
Alarm and security wire
is used: Low current connections for alarms, sensors and access control systems.
Differences: Solid core with PVC insulation.
Audio wire
is used: Connections for speakers, microphones, and other low-power audio signal transmission devices.
Differences: Stranded and protected.
LED and lighting wire
is used: Operating LED strips and lighting systems.
Differences: Braided, with PVC or silicone insulation for flexibility and heat resistance.
Robotics wire
is used: Connections in Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other DIY projects.
Differences: Braided for flexibility, available in color-coded insulation (PVC or silicone).
Control cable
is used: Transmits signals or low-voltage power to control machines, automation systems, and industrial equipment.
Differences: Available with shielding for EMI protection and PVC or Teflon insulation.
Composite control cable
is used: Combines multiple functions, transmitting power, control signals, and data into a single cable for automation, robotics, and complex industrial systems.
Differences: May include twisted pairs, coaxial cables, or shielded conductors within the sheath itself, with PVC, Teflon, or polyurethane insulation.
At NNC, you can find all types of 22 AWG wire at excellent prices, including meet Wire, OSP Central Office Cabling, Composite access control cablesand Telephone cables.
