1.1 This specification prescribes standard nominal diameters and cross-sectional areas of American Wire Gage (AWG) sizes of solid round wires, used as electrical conductors, and gives equations and rules for the calculation of standard nominal mass and lengths, resistances, and breaking strengths of such wires (Explanatory Note 1).

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values of the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification. For conductor sizes designated by AWG or kcmil sizes, the requirements in SI units have been numerically converted from the corresponding values stated or derived, in inch-pound units. For conductor sizes designated by SI units only, the requirements are stated or derived in SI units.

1.2.1 For density, resistivity and temperature, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.