Introduction: Two Gauges of Twisted Pair
UTP twisted‑pair cable is manufactured with copper conductors of different gauges, and the two most common are AWG23 and AWG24. AWG stands for American Wire Gauge, the US system for marking wire diameter. The smaller the number, the thicker the conductor. AWG23 has a conductor diameter of 0.573 mm, AWG24 – 0.511 mm. The difference of half a millimetre seems insignificant, but over the length of a cable run it affects resistance, heating, transmission distance, and permissible supply currents.
The choice between AWG23 and AWG24 is usually linked to the cable category: Cat5e traditionally uses 24 AWG conductors, while Cat6 and above often use 23 AWG to improve performance. However, Cat5e with 23 AWG and Cat6 with 24 AWG also exist. Therefore, gauge should be considered as an independent parameter rather than rigidly tied to the category. Basic information on twisted pair and its categories is provided in the guide utp cable twisted pair.
Comparison Table: AWG23 vs. AWG24
| Parameter | AWG23 | AWG24 |
| Conductor diameter, mm | 0.573 | 0.511 |
| Cross‑sectional area, mm² | 0.258 | 0.205 |
| Conductor resistance, Ω/100 m | ≈6.7 | ≈8.4 |
| Loop resistance per pair, Ω/100 m | ≈13.4 | ≈16.8 |
| PoE current capacity (IEEE 802.3bt), A | Up to 0.96 | Up to 0.96 |
| Heating at PoE current, relative | Lower | Higher |
| Cable flexibility | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
| Bending radius | Same, determined by sheath | Same, determined by sheath |
| Typical category | Cat6, Cat6a | Cat5e, Cat6 |
| Cost | Somewhat higher due to more copper | Lower |
| Application | Long runs, PoE, 10 Gbit/s | Office networks, short lines, budgets |
Geometric Parameters: Diameter and Cross‑Section
The cross‑sectional area of an AWG23 conductor is 0.258 mm², while AWG24 is 0.205 mm². The difference is about 26% in favour of the thicker gauge. This means that for the same cable length, an AWG23 conductor carries a quarter more copper, which directly reduces electrical resistance and heating. The overall outer diameter of the cable changes little, as the main thickness comes from insulation and sheath, but the weight of a 305‑metre reel of AWG23 is noticeably higher.
The conductor diameter of 0.573 mm for AWG23 versus 0.511 mm for AWG24 affects compatibility with RJ‑45 connectors. Most modern plugs are designed for both gauges, but crimping AWG23 requires slightly more force. Connector manufacturers specify the allowable conductor diameter range, so for AWG23 one must choose suitable models; otherwise, the blades may not cut through the insulation or may damage the conductor. For more on choosing cable category, see the comparison Cat5e or Cat6.
Electrical Resistance and Attenuation
DC resistance for AWG23 is about 6.7 Ω per 100 metres, and for AWG24 about 8.4 Ω per 100 metres. For a 100‑metre line, the total loop resistance of a pair for AWG24 reaches 16.8 Ω, which is close to the limit of the TIA/EIA‑568 standard for Cat5e and Cat6. AWG23 has a margin down to 13.4 Ω, providing greater signal stability and lower voltage drop, especially over long runs.
The lower resistance of AWG23 reduces insertion loss and improves return loss at high frequencies. For 10‑gigabit networks (10GBASE‑T), Cat6 cable with AWG23 conductors operates at full length of 55 metres with fewer errors than an equivalent with AWG24. That is why Cat6 and Cat6a manufacturers often choose 23 AWG. For Cat5e, limited to 1 Gbit/s, AWG24 is quite sufficient for distances up to 90 metres of permanent link. The influence of conductor material on resistance is discussed in the article copper.
PoE Support and Heating
When transmitting power over twisted pair — PoE — conductor resistance plays a critical role. The IEEE 802.3bt standard allows current up to 0.96 A per pair, and an AWG24 conductor generates more heat than AWG23 at the same current. The thinner the wire, the higher the temperature at the same current, accelerating insulation ageing and increasing the risk of failure. For 4‑pair PoE of 60–100 W, AWG23 cable is preferable: it dissipates less energy and maintains power stability over long sections.
For ordinary PoE of 15–30 W, the difference is not critical over short distances, but on a 70–90‑metre run AWG23 gives noticeably less voltage drop. A camera or access point receives more stable power, reducing the risk of reboots. When using CCA cable, the difference between AWG23 and AWG24 practically disappears due to the high resistance of aluminium, so for PoE always choose pure copper cable, preferably AWG23. More details on UTP installation and mounting requirements are in the guide utp laying.
Mechanical Strength and Flexibility
AWG23 is thicker and mechanically stronger. It holds shape better when terminated in IDC contacts of sockets and patch panels, and is less prone to breakage under tension. At the same time, cable with AWG23 is slightly less flexible than AWG24, which may cause minor inconvenience when laying in tight enclosures. However, the difference in flexibility is small and rarely a deciding factor.
For solid cables, AWG23 is harder to bend with a small radius, but for fixed installation this does not matter. For stranded patch cords, AWG24 remains the standard, providing sufficient flexibility. AWG23 is less common in patch cords because flexibility is more important there than low resistance. Thus, AWG23 is for fixed horizontal wiring, AWG24 for patch cords.
Application Areas: Which Gauge Where
AWG23 is used in Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7 cables, where requirements for frequency characteristics and resistance are higher. It is chosen for backbone lines, long horizontal runs, PoE systems, and 10‑gigabit networks. Aluminium and copper‑clad (CCA) cables are also marketed with AWG23 labelling, but their actual cross‑section may not match the copper equivalent, so always check material and actual resistance when purchasing.
AWG24 is the classic gauge for Cat5e and budget Cat6. It is lighter, cheaper, and easier to crimp. For office 1 Gbit/s networks, telephone lines, and IP cameras with short runs, AWG24 remains sufficient. Manufacturers sometimes use AWG24 in Cat6 to reduce price, but such savings are acceptable only on short distances without PoE. A comparison of Cat5e and Cat6 is given in Cat5e or Cat6.
When to Choose AWG23
- Cat6 and higher cables for 10 Gbit/s networks.
- Long runs over 50 metres where resistance margin is important.
- PoE and PoE+ systems with currents above 30 W.
- Installation in hot environments where cable heating is critical.
- Industrial sites with high reliability requirements.
When to Choose AWG24
- Office Cat5e networks with gigabit speed at distances up to 70 metres.
- Patch cords and jumper cables where flexibility is key.
- Budget projects where copper cost savings are significant.
- Telephone and signalling lines with low currents.
- Short connections of cameras and access points without high‑class PoE.
Typical Mistakes in Selection
- Buying Cat6 cable with AWG24 for a 90‑metre run. Attenuation may exceed limits, and gigabit speed may not be achieved.
- Using AWG24 for 60 W PoE on a long run. The wire heats up, power may fail.
- Crimping AWG23 with connectors rated for AWG24. The blades do not cut insulation, contact is unreliable.
- Comparing AWG23 and AWG24 solely by price, ignoring resistance. Cheaper AWG24 may lead to losses in installation and operation.
- Choosing CCA cable labelled AWG23 assuming it matches copper. The aluminium core has higher resistance, and all advantages are lost.
- Ignoring TIA/EIA standards when building a certified structured cabling system. For a 90‑metre horizontal link, strict compliance with category and gauge is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do AWG23 and AWG24 mean?
They are conductor gauges according to the American Wire Gauge system. AWG23 – diameter 0.573 mm, AWG24 – 0.511 mm. The smaller the number, the thicker the conductor.
How to convert AWG to square millimetres?
AWG23 corresponds to 0.258 mm², AWG24 to 0.205 mm². Use conversion tables for precise calculation.
Does gauge affect internet speed?
Not directly – the category determines speed. However, a smaller gauge means higher resistance, reducing the attenuation margin, which on long lines leads to errors and speed drops. Therefore, AWG23 is preferred for high‑speed networks.
Which gauge to choose for a PoE camera?
If the distance is up to 50 metres and power is up to 30 W, AWG24 in solid copper is sufficient. For longer distances or higher power, choose AWG23.
Can AWG23 and AWG24 be mixed in one network?
Yes, cables are compatible in terms of connectors and protocols. But the performance of the link will be determined by the worst section, so on critical segments it is better to stick to one gauge.
Why is Cat6 often made with AWG23?
Cat6 requires lower resistance and attenuation at 250 MHz. AWG23 provides a better margin for these parameters, making it easier to certify the link.
Conclusion
AWG23 and AWG24 are not just numbers on a label; they represent an engineering trade‑off between cost, resistance, and flexibility. AWG23 ensures reliability in long runs, high speeds, and PoE. AWG24 remains an economical solution for typical office networks and short segments. Choosing the right gauge based on length, category, and load guarantees stable operation of the cabling system throughout its entire service life.
