AWG vs. mm2 Cables procurement
AWG vs. mm2 Cables procurement
(OP)
Hi all:
I am involved in the procurement of about 20.000 meters of cables to be installed in a new Oil refining Plant.
The contractor that is doing the design of electric system advised us to specify the size of cables in mm2, because there are more cable suppliers that handle this unit.
At the end, overall price of cables will be much lower.
Please, give your suggestions/opinions. We are used to handle size of cables in AWG.
Thanks in advance.
I am involved in the procurement of about 20.000 meters of cables to be installed in a new Oil refining Plant.
The contractor that is doing the design of electric system advised us to specify the size of cables in mm2, because there are more cable suppliers that handle this unit.
At the end, overall price of cables will be much lower.
Please, give your suggestions/opinions. We are used to handle size of cables in AWG.
Thanks in advance.






RE: AWG vs. mm2 Cables procurement
You may have to spend some engineering time and effort to find acceptable mfrs as well, if you do not want to be at mercy of the contractor.
Also depending on the location, preferred wiring method varies ( pipe and wire vs. armored cables, single core vs. multi-core, etc), so does the ampacity. So verify those specs and specify accordingly.
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: AWG vs. mm2 Cables procurement
If European standards apply, then definitely go with metric sizes.
RE: AWG vs. mm2 Cables procurement
Countries of origin which I generally prefer to avoid because of too many bad experiences include: China; Russia; Greece; Turkey; India. I'm not saying every manufacturer in those countries make bad cable, just that there are quite a few manufacturers in those countries who make cable which does not meet the standards which are moulded into the sheath. Be careful if you don't know the company involved - but equally if a big manufacturer like Prysmian has an operation in one of those nations then don't discount them.
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RE: AWG vs. mm2 Cables procurement
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: AWG vs. mm2 Cables procurement
Don't forget also to check the insulation, the American cable is most likely to come in some form of THHN ... (so many insulations :) while in the sq. mm world there isn't much variety.
RE: AWG vs. mm2 Cables procurement