Conductor sizes are typically given in AWG or what other unit?

When discussing conductor sizes, they are often expressed in American Wire Gauge (AWG), which is a standardized wire gauge system used in North America. Circular mils is another unit that is used to measure the cross-sectional area of conductors. One circular mil corresponds to the area of a circle with a diameter of one mil (one-thousandth of an inch). Because electrical conductors are primarily concerned with their cross-sectional area for determining current-carrying capacity, circular mils provide a precise measurement that can be particularly useful in electrical engineering and design.

Using circular mils can simplify calculations related to current carrying capacity and resistance, as it directly relates to the physical properties of the wire. In certain applications, especially in industrial settings, circular mils might be preferred due to the ease of calculation when working with various sizes of conductors. This makes circular mils an important unit alongside AWG for professionals in the electrical field.