26 AWG vs. 28 AWG – Which is a better choice?

Wired cables are responsible for connecting various devices to wired networks. It is common to notice an AWG rating printed on the cable jacket, like 26 AWG or 28 AWG. In this review, we shall look at the differences and similarities between 26 AWG and 28 AWG Ethernet cables.

The term AWG stands for American Wire Gauge, a standardized measurement that describes a round wire’s cross-sectional area. A cable with a high wire gauge rating means that it has a relatively small diameter, making it quite thin.

Ethernet cables are not all the same as they come in different AWG sizes. Here is a detailed analysis of 26 AWG and 28 AWG with information on their shared features and their differences to help you make the best decision that is suitable for your connectivity needs.

What are the differences between 26 AWG and 28 AWG?

	26 AWG	28 AWG
Wire diameter	0.0159 inches	0.0126 inches
Distance and transmission speed	Ideal for medium-range connectivity	Ideal for short-range connectivity
Attenuation and resistance	125 Megohm	200 Megohm

26 AWG vs. 28 AWG – How do they compare?

Wire diameter

The thickness or gauge of a cable plays a huge role when determining how much data can move back and forth. The AWG specification is a measurement of the wire’s diameter without its insulation. As a general rule of thumb, the lower the gauge rating, the bigger the wire’s diameter.

Therefore, 26 AWG has a larger diameter than 28 AWG, meaning there is less resistance that allows more electrons to move easily. Cables with a larger diameter are strong conductors, making them ideal for installation and routing through heavy machines and other equipment.

Distance and transmission speed

An Ethernet’s cable wire gauge specification does not affect its transmission speed in any way. As a result, there are 24 AWG, 26 AWG, and 28 AWG Ethernet cables of all cable standards available on the market.

However, the gauge of an Ethernet cable directly affects its length and thickness. Copper network cables with a smaller gauge rating have a larger diameter, meaning they are available in larger lengths as they provide less resistance. As a result, the signals passing through cables with a smaller gauge travel farther than those with a larger gauge.

Therefore, 26 AWG allows its signal to travel farther as it has a smaller gauge rating than 28 AWG.

Attenuation and resistance

Generally, the larger the diameter of a wire, the less electrical resistance for the signal it carries. Just like a wide pipe with flowing water, it is easier for electrons (a signal) to flow through a larger and thicker cable than a thinner and smaller cable.

Since the 28 AWG conductor is smaller than that of 26 AWG, it has higher attenuation over length properties. As a result, a 26 AWG Ethernet cable is more durable as it provides a lower attenuation than a 28 AWG Ethernet cable.

26 AWG, therefore, offers less resistance and attenuation over length than 28 AWG.

26 AWG vs. 28 AWG – A comparison review

26 AWG

As discussed earlier, the smaller the wire gauge, the larger the diameter of the wire. 26 AWG cables have a diameter of 0.0159 inches and a resistance of 125 Megohm. These cables are considered as relatively thin cables, which are perfect for the telephone and mobile lines.

Similarly, 26 AWG cables are not suitable for long-rage connectivity as they are more susceptible to heat buildup that causes dissipation of electrons. As a result, if you want a higher resolution from this cable, it is advisable to use an equalizer or amplifier. However, these thin cables are easy to install in crowded spaces and feature improved airflow in high-density racks.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Improved airflow than other thicker cables
• Ideal for telephone and mobile lines

Cons

• Relatively high resistance

28 AWG

Over the past few years, manufacturers have introduced thin cables of 28 AWG with more than 25% smaller diameter than its fuller counterparts. These thin cables have grown in popularity due to their easy cable management in high-density areas and an improved airflow around active equipment.

28 AWG cables have a wire diameter of 0.0126 inches and a resistance of 200 Megohms. Many users prefer these thin Ethernet cables, despite being more prone to damage caused by heat. Some benefits of 28 AWG Ethernet cables include simple routing, primarily through cable managers and around corners, improved visibility of port labels on patch panels and other equipment, and increased airflow in high-density racks.

Pros

• Improved airflow
• Improved visibility in crowded areas
• Simple routing
• Easy to install
• Occupies minimal space

Cons

• Prone to damage from heat buildup

Conclusion

When shopping for network cables, it is vital to consider its AWG specification and its inverse relationship with the resistance of a wire. Keep in mind that less resistance means less heat buildup, meaning the transmitted signal flows easily without dissipation.

Final verdict: So which is better 26 AWG or 28 AWG?

All factors considered, 28 AWG cables are a better choice as they are approved by the new ANSI/TIA-569.2-D cabling standard. They are also ideal for current data centers and telecom rooms as they are space, cost, and time-saving and offer easy cable management and high-density layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a large wire gauge harmful?

A wire with a higher wire gauge means it has a smaller diameter and is thin in physical appearance. It will not injure anything or result in an overload.

What happens if I use a wire with a small wire gauge than required?

If the wire gauge’s size is too small, the wire will likely melt due to a large amount of current flowing through it.