In the American Wire Gauge(AWG) current ratings, the higher the number the thinner the wire.A typical household wire is AWG number 12 or 14. Telephone wire is typically AWG 22, 24 or 26.The higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter and the thinner the wire. Due to less electrical resistance, a thicker wire carries more current with less voltage drop as compared to a thinner wire. It is advisable that for longer distances, it will be necessary to increase the wire diameter and reduce the gauge so as to limit the voltage drop.
