SWG to mm Converter

What is an SWG to mm Converter?

An SWG to mm converter is a specialized electrical engineering tool that converts Standard Wire Gauge (SWG) numbers to their corresponding millimeter measurements. SWG is the British wire gauge system used in the UK and many Commonwealth countries, providing an alternative to the American AWG system.

The Standard Wire Gauge system was established in Britain and is still widely used in electrical engineering, telecommunications, and manufacturing industries. This converter helps bridge the gap between British imperial measurements and the international metric system.

How the SWG to mm Converter Works

Our converter uses the standard SWG formula to calculate wire diameter in millimeters. Unlike AWG which uses a geometric progression, SWG uses a more complex formula based on the British Imperial system.

The converter calculates both diameter and cross-sectional area, providing comprehensive wire specifications for electrical engineering applications. It handles the conversion from British imperial measurements to metric units.

SWG to mm Conversion Formula

The conversion from SWG to millimeters uses the following mathematical relationship:

Diameter (mm) = 25.4 × Diameter (inches)

This formula accounts for the specific progression used in the Standard Wire Gauge system, which differs from the American Wire Gauge system.

Key Features of Our SWG to mm Converter

• Instant SWG to millimeter conversion
• Accurate diameter calculations in mm and inches
• Cross-sectional area in square millimeters and inches
• Support for SWG sizes 7/0 to 50
• Real-time calculation updates
• Mobile-friendly responsive design
• Professional-grade accuracy
• Free to use with no registration
• Clean and intuitive interface
• Works offline after page load

SWG vs AWG Comparison

Understanding the differences between SWG and AWG systems:

• SWG (Standard Wire Gauge) - British system
• AWG (American Wire Gauge) - American system
• Different progression formulas
• Different starting points and ranges
• SWG commonly used in UK and Commonwealth
• AWG commonly used in North America
• Both systems widely recognized internationally

Professional Applications

• British electrical engineering projects
• Converting UK wire specifications to metric
• Electrical equipment manufacturing in Commonwealth countries
• Power distribution system design
• Electronics and circuit board design
• Telecommunications infrastructure
• Automotive electrical systems (UK/European)
• Industrial control systems
• Renewable energy installations
• Electrical code compliance (UK standards)

Common SWG to mm Conversion Examples

Here are some practical examples of SWG to mm conversions:

Example: SWG 14 to mm

SWG 14 diameter = 0.080 inches

Diameter (mm) = 25.4 × 0.080 = 2.032 mm

Example: SWG 20 to mm

SWG 20 diameter = 0.036 inches

Diameter (mm) = 25.4 × 0.036 = 0.914 mm

• SWG 12 wire = 2.642 mm diameter
• SWG 10 wire = 3.251 mm diameter
• SWG 8 wire = 4.064 mm diameter
• SWG 6 wire = 5.189 mm diameter
• SWG 4 wire = 6.401 mm diameter
• SWG 2 wire = 7.620 mm diameter
• SWG 1 wire = 8.230 mm diameter
• SWG 0 wire = 8.839 mm diameter

British Wire Standards

Understanding British wire gauge standards and regulations:

• BS 6360 - British standard for electrical conductors
• BS 7671 - IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition)
• BS EN 60228 - International standard for conductor sizes
• BS 4568 - Specification for steel wire for general engineering purposes
• BS 6746 - Specification for copper and copper alloys
• BS 1432 - Specification for copper for electrical purposes

Tips for Using the SWG to mm Converter

• Always verify conversions with multiple sources for critical applications
• Consider temperature effects on wire dimensions
• Account for manufacturing tolerances in real-world applications
• Use the correct SWG number (including 7/0, 6/0, 5/0, 4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 1/0, 0)
• Remember that larger SWG numbers mean smaller wire diameters
• Check local electrical codes for minimum wire sizes
• Consider voltage drop calculations for long wire runs
• Use proper wire connectors rated for the calculated dimensions
• Be aware of differences between SWG and AWG systems
• Follow British electrical standards when applicable