Whether cables, pipes, connectors or cable conduits for industry and households: metric units of measurement have become established in Europe and are becoming increasingly important worldwide thanks to internationally applicable standards. Nevertheless, there are still scenarios in which it is essential to convert the cross-sections of various American cable standards, for example, so that they fit easily into common terminals or cable connectors that are actually designed for metric wires.
You can find the most common conversions in our guide series "Converting units"!
Converting units in the cables & wires sector
There are always scenarios in which it is essential to convert the cross-sections of various American cable standards such as AWG, for example, so that they fit easily into common terminal blocks or cable connectors that are actually designed for metric wires. Among other things, the sizes and units of AWG and metric cables differ significantly, so that in many cases a conversion may not only be necessary, but unavoidable. Conversion is not always possible on a one-to-one basis.
However, there is a metric equivalent for a large number of AWG and inch cables, which can be used as an alternative in terms of cross-section and electrical properties.
AWG in mm²
Conversion of AWG cable cross-sections to mm² - Strand construction and AWG tables
Cable cross-section
Calculate cable cross-section - All important formulas and tables, including calculator and tables.
Converting units for pipes and cable conduits
Conversion from imperial to metric is also essential for threaded fittings and pipe and hose connections, whether in the industrial sector or in private households.
This is because, in addition to accuracy of fit, conversion from international to metric units is necessary at the latest when it comes to compliance with prescribed safety standards. The good news is that the conversion of units, e.g. from inches to metric, e.g. mm, is possible without complicated formulas.
Tube dimensions
Converting hose dimensions into inches or millimetres for (cable protection) hoses and pipes.
Inches in mm
Conversion from inches to millimetres - How do you convert inches to mm or cm?
Converting units in the area of cable glands & threads
It is also essential to convert thread types that are still in use today but have largely been replaced by metric variants. These include PG threads (steel conduit threads) and NPT threads (National Taper Pipe) in the area of cable glands.
This can be remedied with corresponding tables in which the dimensions and the respective units can be seen at a glance without conversion. We have compiled assistance for converting units and an overview of the necessary tables for you in the following guide articles.
Convert metric units to NPT and PG
Converting metric screw connection sizes to NPT or PG and vice versa.
Thread types
Thread types - All key data on the most important thread types (ISO, inch, etc.) simply explained!