22 AWG wire is a thin, low-current electrical copper wire for low-voltage applications like electronics and LED lighting.

The ampacity of 22 AWG copper wire is 7 amps in free air and up to 5 amps either enclosed on in a bundle. 22 AWG wires are usually run for short distances, so that voltage drop is not much of a concern. Most applications for which 22 AWG wire is used will only call for 1-3 amps of continuous current.

The approximate diameter of a 22 AWG wire is 0.0253 inches (0.643 mm) for solid wire and 0.030 inches (0.762 mm) for stranded.

Common Applications of 22 AWG Wire

Electronics

• Circuit boards: For connecting components on PCBs.
• Prototyping in hobbyist projects like Arduino.
• Sensors and actuators: Connecting low-power sensors and motor drivers.

LED strips

• Power supply to LEDs: Suitable for short runs in low-current lighting setups.
• Signal wires: For RGB controllers and similar systems.

Telecommunications

• Phone lines: Common in older telephone installations.
• Signal transmission: Low-power data and control signals in communication systems.

Automotive applications

• Low-current circuits: For interior lighting, switches, or small electronic modules.

Audio systems

• Low-power speakers: Used for small, low-power speaker connections.
• Signal cables: In headphones or microphone lines.

Robotics and drones

• Control wires: For transmitting signals to motors, servos, and sensors.

Security systems

• Alarm wiring: For low-current connections to sensors and panels.
• Access controls: For card readers and small keypads.

Medical equipment

• Used in portable diagnostic devices and low-power medical tools.

Home automation

• For low-power connections in smart home setups.

General purpose wiring

• Test equipment: Temporary connections during testing or troubleshooting.
• Low-voltage DC applications: Powering small DC devices like fans or relays.

Popular Types of 22 AWG Wire

Hook-up wire

• Use: Internal wiring in electronic devices, appliances, and control panels.
• Variations: Available in solid or stranded forms with PVC, silicone, or Teflon insulation.

Shielded wire

• Use: Reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) in audio, data transmission, and communication systems.
• Variations: Shielding can include foil or braided layers.

Twisted pair wire

• Use: Minimizes EMI in communication and low-noise signal applications (e.g., Ethernet, low-power data transmission).

Ribbon cable (flat cable)

• Use: Parallel conductors for compact and organized electronics, computing, and robotics connections.
• Variations: Insulation is typically PVC or silicone.

High-temperature wire

• Use: Aerospace and industrial environments under extreme temperatures.
• Variations: Insulations resistant to chemicals and high temperatures,like Teflon or Silicone.

Sub-miniature coaxial cable

• Use: RF and video signal transmission in specialized electronic devices.
• Variations: Includes a 22 AWG core with shielding and insulation for reduced signal loss.

Alarm and security wire

• Use: Low-current connections for alarms, sensors, and access control systems.
• Variations: Solid core with PVC insulation.

Audio wire

• Use: Low-power speaker connections, microphones, and other audio signal transmission.
• Variations: Stranded and shielded.

LED and lighting wire

• Use: Powering LED strips and lighting systems.
• Variations: Stranded, with PVC or silicone insulation for flexibility and heat resistance.

Robotics wire

• Use: Connections in Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other DIY projects.
• Variations: Stranded for flexibility, available in color-coded insulation (PVC or silicone).

Control cable

• Use: Transmits signals or low-voltage power to control machinery, automation systems, and industrial equipment.
• Variations: Available with shielding for EMI protection and PVC or Teflon insulation.

Composite control cable

• Use: Combines multiple functionalities, transmitting power, control signals, and data in a single cable for automation, robotics, and complex industrial systems.
• Variations: May include twisted pairs, coaxial cables, or shielded conductors within the same jacket, with PVC, Teflon, or polyurethane insulation.

At NNC, you can find all kinds of 22 AWG wires at excellent prices, including hook-up wire, OSP central office cables, composite access control cables, and telephone cables.