Cable Conductor Size Selection

Determining the size of a conductor is usually based on the electrical circuit that the cable interconnects. If the circuit has been designed to require a 22 AWG wire, it cannot be reduced to 28 AWG just to reduce the capacitance. Also, the insulation wall thickness cannot be increased beyond reason since this increases the diameter of the cable, increasing costs and affecting terminations. Thus, the insulation chosen for the cable often becomes the critical variable.