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Hook-up wire is a term commonly used in electronics and electrical engineering to refer to insulated electrical wires that are used for various electrical connections. These wires typically have a solid or stranded core made of materials like copper or aluminium and are covered with a protective insulating material, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or Teflon (PTFE). The insulation is colour-coded to indicate the wire's purpose and to help with proper identification in electrical circuits.

Hook-up wire is available in various gauges (wire diameters) to suit different applications. Wires like the 22 awg solid core are more rigid and suitable for applications requiring minimal movement, offering a straightforward routing experience. In contrast, stranded wires, such as the 12 awg hookup wire, 20 awg hookup wire, 24 awg hook up wire, 28 awg hook up wire, and 30 awg hook up wire, are more flexible and better suited for dynamic environments where the wire may need to endure bending and twisting without breaking. Additionally, these wires are available in various lengths, allowing for custom installations depending on the specific needs of your project, from short connections within devices to extended runs across facilities. It also comes in [different colours to facilitate organisation and identification](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/wiring-colours-guide) within electrical circuits. The colour coding often follows industry standards or specific conventions, such as red for positive (+) connections and black for negative (-) connections in direct current (DC) circuits.

In addition to the gauge size of an electrical hook up cable, one should know the difference between AWG (American Wire Gauge) and mm² (square millimetres) measurements used globally. AWG is commonly used in North America and indicates the physical size of the wire, which inversely correlates with the gauge number: the smaller the number, the thicker the wire. Conversely, mm² measures the actual cross-sectional area of the wire, providing a direct indication of its size and carrying capacity. 

When working on electrical or electronics projects, it's important to choose the appropriate gauge and type of hook-up wire for your specific application to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the circuit.

## **Types of Hook Up Wire**

Here are some common types of hook-up wire:

### **Single Conductor Wire**

This is the most basic type of hook-up wire, consisting of a single insulated conductor. It's suitable for general-purpose use and available in various gauges and insulation materials.

### **Stranded Wire**

Stranded hook-up wire is a type of flexible hook up wire that consists of multiple smaller strands of wire twisted together. This construction makes it more flexible and suitable for applications where the wire may need to bend or flex.

### **Solid Wire**

Solid hook-up wire consists of a single, solid conductor. It's less flexible than stranded wire but is preferred when minimal signal loss or resistance is crucial, such as in high-frequency applications.

### **Shielded Wire**

This type of wire has an additional layer of shielding around the insulated conductor, typically made of metal. The shielded hookup wire protects against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) and is commonly used in audio and communication applications.

### **High-Temperature Wire**

A [high-temperature hook-up wire](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/single-core-cable/hook-up-wire/?applied-dimensions=4291240027) is used for applications requiring extreme heat resistance. It is designed to withstand temperatures significantly higher than standard wire.

### **Multi-Conductor Cable**

While not technically a type of hook-up wire, multi-conductor cables consist of multiple insulated conductors bundled together within a single cable.

### **Specialty Wire**

Some applications require specialty hook-up wire, such as magnet wire (enamel-coated wire used in electromagnets and transformers) or automotive-grade wire (designed for vehicle use).

### [**Harsh Environment Wire**](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/single-core-cable/hook-up-wire/?applied-dimensions=4290832912)

This is electrical wiring and cables designed specifically for use in extreme or challenging environmental conditions. These conditions can include exposure to high temperatures, moisture, chemicals, physical abrasion, and other harsh factors that standard wires may not withstand. 

## **Typical Applications & Industrial Uses** 

These wires are used in a wide range of applications, from simple breadboard prototypes to complex electronic devices. 

- Internal Wiring of Appliances: Hook-up wires, such as the 18 awg hook-up wire and 16 awg hook-up wire, are essential for the internal wiring of appliances. Their durability and ability to handle various electrical loads make them suitable for connecting internal components safely and efficiently.
- Automotive Applications: Automotive hookup wire, specifically 14 awg hookup wire, is used in automotive or motor-vehicle applications due to its resistance to vibrations, moisture, and temperature changes. These wires are crucial for wiring [automotive wire connectors and electrical systems](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/what-car-owners-should-know-about-automotive-wire-connectors), ensuring reliability and performance under harsh conditions.
- Robotics and Automation: For robotics and automation, flexible hookup wires, such as 22 awg hookup wire and 26 awg hookup wire, offer excellent durability and flexibility, which are critical in robotic systems' dynamic movements and compact configurations.
- Aerospace: PTFE hookup wire and shielded hookup wire are used in the aerospace industry because they are highly resistant to high temperatures and can protect against electromagnetic interference, which is critical for the demanding environments of aerospace applications.
- Medical: Medical equipment often requires highly reliable and safe wiring solutions, such as silicone hookup wire and PTFE hookup wire, which are known for their biocompatibility and ability to withstand sterilisation processes.

## **Buying Hook Up Wires: Ordering & Delivery Information for Australia**

[RS](https://au.rs-online.com/web/) is committed to being your trusted and preferred supplier for hook up wires. We offer an extensive range of top brands such as [RS PRO](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/?pn=1&searchTerm=hook+up+wire&rpp=20&selectedNavigation=brands=RS%20PRO), [Alpha Wire](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/?pn=1&searchTerm=hook+up+wire&rpp=20&selectedNavigation=brands=Alpha%20Wire), [AXINDUS](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/?pn=1&searchTerm=hook+up+wire&rpp=20&selectedNavigation=brands=AXINDUS), [Lapp](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/?pn=1&searchTerm=hook+up+wire&rpp=20&selectedNavigation=brands=Lapp), [TE Connectivity](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/?pn=1&searchTerm=hook+up+wire&rpp=20&selectedNavigation=brands=TE%20Connectivity), and more. Complement your electrical setups with our cable management solutions using [cable ties](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/cable-ties-fixings/cable-ties/), [cable trunking](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/cable-management/cable-trunking/), and [cable storage](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/cable-management/cable-storage/).

RS guarantees prompt delivery across Australia, providing next-day shipping for orders made by 5 pm AEST on weekdays. Be aware that some areas or specific items might have extended delivery periods.

Our easy-to-use platform ensures a smooth process for obtaining your hook wires and cable hook-ups, backed by fast delivery. For further information, please visit our [delivery information page](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/support/all-articles/delivery).



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