Wire Glossary A


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The Letter A

Abrasion Resistance
Ability to resist surface wear.

Ambient Temperature
Any all-encompassing temperature within a given area.

Ampacity
The current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.

Anneal
To soften and relieve strains in any solid material, such as metal or glass, by heating to just below melting point and then slowly cooling it. This also generally lowers the tensile strength of the material, while improving its flex life.

Annealed Wire
See Soft Wire.


Appliance Wire and Cable
A classification covering insulated wire and cable for internal wiring of appliances and equipment. UL type AWM wire.

Area of conductor
The size of a conductor cross-section, measured in circular mils.

ASTM
American Society for Testing Materials. An organization that sets standards on various material tests for the industry.

AWG
American Wire Gauge. A wire diameter specification. The lower the AWG number the larger the wire diameter.

AWM
Appliance Wiring Material. See here for more.