When comparing the 6 AWG and 8 AWG conductors, which has a smaller diameter?

The correct choice is that the 8 AWG conductor has a smaller diameter than the 6 AWG conductor. In the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system, the gauge number inversely correlates with the diameter of the wire—meaning that as the gauge number increases, the diameter of the wire decreases. Therefore, an 8 AWG wire is thinner than a 6 AWG wire.

For context, the standard diameters for these conductors are roughly 0.128 inches for 6 AWG and 0.102 inches for 8 AWG. This can lead to confusion, but it's important to remember that a higher gauge number reflects a smaller wire diameter in this particular system.

Understanding this relationship is vital for electricians, especially when selecting appropriate wire sizes for different applications to ensure safety and efficiency in electrical installations.