Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

American Wire Gauge
     
         (AWG, sometimes "Brown and Sharpe Wire
        Gauge") A U.S. {standard} set of non-ferrous wire conductor
        sizes.  Typical household wiring is AWG number 12 or 14.
        Telephone wire is usually 22, 24, or 26.  The higher the gauge
        number, the smaller the diameter and the thinner the wire.
        Thicker wire is better for long distances due to its lower
        resistance per unit length.
     
        (2001-03-26)