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  7. Odd Sizes in AWG Flexible Cable

Odd Sizes in AWG Flexible Wire Cable Added to UL and CSA Standards

In 2014, odd sized AWG conductors (e.g. 17, 15, 13, and 11) were added to North American UL 62 and CSA C22.2 No. 21-14 standards to align international mm2 conductor sizes with North American AWG cable. This change added the “odd” sized AWG to the standards to properly specify the conductor size. This affects cable that was formerly identified as “universal” which is a combination of H05VV-F cable and SJT cable. Before this change, cable manufacturers marked cable with smaller equivalents like 18, 16, 14, and 12, even though the conductors were actually sized 17, 15, 13, and 11.

Previously the UL and CSA cable standards did not allow cable with odd sized AWG conductors. With the odd numbers being added to the standards, it allows for flexible cords to meet existing North American conductor sizing requirements. In addition, UL added maximum copper cross sectional area and maximum DC resistance requirements to regulate copper (i.e. to make sure copper is used in the cable and not aluminum). Odd AWG numbers were added because previous cable sizing conflicted with the even numbers.

Interpower manufactures H05VV-F/SJT cable. However, this cable is only available in Interpower manufactured jumper (interconnection) cord sets. It cannot be used with country-specific power cords or cord sets. For jumper cords sets offered by Interpower, see Jumper Cord Sets.