in germany at least, we have 10 or 16 amps rated, on 230V, and cables have 1.0 o... | Hacker News

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		cracki on Dec 26, 2009 \| parent \| context \| favorite \| on: Smart Alternative for Extension Cords in germany at least, we have 10 or 16 amps rated, on 230V, and cables have 1.0 or 1.5 mm^2 cross-section per wire. what is 12 and 16 "gauge" and what voltage do you folks use?

Zak on Dec 26, 2009 [–]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge

US household current is 110V, 60Hz and typically 15 or 20 amps on a circuit. 16 gauge is approximately equivalent to a 1.5mm^2 cross-section solid wire, or to 30/0.25 (which I assume means 30 0.25 mm^2 strands).

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