What size wire is 1.5 mm

1.5 mm diameter wire corresponds to approximately 15 AWG (American Wire Gauge) in the wire gauge system, falling between 14 AWG (1.628 mm) and 16 AWG (1.291 mm). However, it's important to distinguish whether "1.5 mm" refers to wire diameter or cross-sectional area, as European electrical standards often specify wire by cross-sectional area rather than diameter.

If "1.5 mm" refers to cross-sectional area (1.5 mm²), this corresponds to wire with approximately 1.38 mm diameter, roughly equivalent to 16 AWG. The 1.5 mm² wire size is extremely common in European residential and light commercial electrical installations, used for lighting circuits and general power applications carrying up to 15-16 amperes depending on installation conditions and insulation type. When specifying or purchasing wire internationally, always clarify whether measurements indicate diameter or cross-sectional area, as the same numerical value has dramatically different meanings: 1.5 mm diameter wire has a cross-sectional area of about 1.77 mm² (calculated as π × radius² = π × 0.75² ≈ 1.77 mm²), while 1.5 mm² cross-sectional area wire has a diameter of approximately 1.38 mm. This distinction affects current-carrying capacity, voltage drop calculations, conduit fill requirements, and terminal compatibility—misunderstanding the specification can result in undersized wiring creating fire hazards or oversized wiring that won't fit terminals, conduits, or connectors properly.