Which gauge is commonly used as the default for multi-conductor cables due to strength?

• A. 22 AWG
• B. 24 AWG
• C. 26 AWG
• D. 18 AWG

Answer: (D)

Think about how the cable will be used and what it needs to withstand. For multi-conductor cables, you want enough mechanical strength to survive pulling, bending, and installation without damage, while still remaining practical to work with. The gauge number is inversely related to thickness: the lower the number, the thicker the conductor, and the stronger it generally is.

Eighteen-gauge wire is thick enough to resist damage during installation and to hold up under typical handling, yet it’s still flexible enough to route through walls and around corners. It’s also widely available in multi-conductor configurations (like 18/4 or 18/6), which makes it a common default for alarm system harnesses that require multiple conductors in one jacket. Thinner gauges (like 22, 24, or 26) are more flexible but much more susceptible to damage and have higher resistance, which isn’t ideal for a robust, versatile multi-conductor cable. That combination of durability and practicality is why eighteen gauge is commonly chosen as the default for multi-conductor cables.