Wire Gauge – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Wire Gauge is a numerical system that tells you how thick or thin a piece of coilWire is. In vaping, the gauge number (for example 24 AWG or 32 AWG) determines how much metal is in the coil, which in turn affects electrical resistance, ramp-up time and the amount of vapour produced. A lower gauge means a thicker wire and lower electrical resistance, while a higher gauge means a thinner wire and higher resistance. Choosing the correct Wire Gauge is essential for matching your build to the Wattage range of your device and your preferred vaping style.

Technical Details

Wire Gauge is measured using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) scale. Key points include:

  • AWG Scale: Runs from 12 (very thick) to 40+ (extremely thin). Each step down reduces the diameter by roughly 10.9 %.
  • Diameter: 24 AWG ≈ 0.51 mm; 28 AWG ≈ 0.32 mm; 32 AWG ≈ 0.20 mm.
  • Resistance per metre: Thicker wire (lower AWG) has lower resistance per metre, so fewer Wraps are needed to hit a target ohm value.
  • Common Variations: Round, flat ribbon, twisted, Clapton and mesh, each with different ramp-up and flavour characteristics.
  • Temperature Control Wire:Stainless Steel, Nickel and Titanium grades use the same AWG scale but behave differently under power.

Usage & Tips

Match your Wire Gauge to your vaping style:

  • Cloud chasing: Use 22–24 AWG for low resistance and high Wattage.
  • Restricted DL or MTL: Use 26–30 AWG for higher resistance and faster ramp-up.
  • Common Problems: Too-thin wire can snap when tightening screws; too-thick wire may not fit in the post holes or may overload the battery. Always check post-hole size and the mod’s maximum continuous discharge rating.
  • Safety: Dry-burn coils at low wattage to check for hot spots, and ensure the Wicking Material is snug but not choking the coil.

History & Context

Early rebuildable atomisers in the late 2000s used 28–32 AWG Kanthal. As sub-ohm vaping became popular, vapers shifted to thicker 22–24 AWG for lower resistance and higher Wattage. The rise of temperature control in 2014 introduced new wire materials, but the AWG scale remained universal, letting Australian builders swap between metals and gauges with confidence.

Share the Post: