2/22/2018 Matching Wire Size to Circuit Amperage

Electrical Wiring & Circuitry Electrical Repair Home Repair

Matching Wire Size to Circuit Amperage

Wire Gauge and Ampacity
BY TIMOTHY THIELE Updated 07/10/17

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Whenever a circuit is extended or rewired, or when any new circuit is installed, it is
critical that the new wiring is made with wire conductors that are properly sized for
the amperage rating of the circuit, as determined by the size of the circuit breaker
controlling it. Higher amperage circuits require wires of larger diameter to avoid
excessive heat and reduce the danger of fire. In smaller wires, too much current
flowing through them creates excessive resistance and more heat.

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But how do you know what size wire to use?

Wire is sized by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. What wire size and circuit
size is proper for your installation is determined by several factors, including the
planned load on the circuit, the number of outlets or light fixtures, and the length of
the circuit. What is critical, though, is that the wire gauge matches the circuit breaker
size.

If you've shopped for electrical wire, you have likely noticed that there are many types
and sizes of wire to choose from. Different types of wire are intended for different
uses but with any of these wire types knowing the right wire size is key to a safe and2/6
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uses, but with any of these wire types, knowing the right wire size is key to a safe and
effective wire choice. For a summary of what the different wire designations are and
their usage, see this article on interpreting the letter designations printed on electrical
wiring. 
■ If that isn't complicated enough, be aware that while copper wire is more or less
the standard, there is also aluminum wiring in some homes, which has its own
ampacity-carrying capabilities. Aluminum wiring was one widely used, but
because it was found that aluminum had a greater expansion profile under load,
it often loosened wire connections and sometimes caused electrical fires. That is
not to say you are necessarily at risk, because those connections may work
forever if not overloaded, but an evaluation and replacement with copper wire
may be a good idea. 

Wire gauge refers the physical size of the wire, rated with a numerical designation
that runs opposite to the diameter of the conductors--in other words, the smaller the
wire gauge number, the larger the wire diameter. Common sizes include 14-, 12-, 10-,
8-, 6-, and 2-gauge wire. The size of the wire dictates how much current can safely
pass through the electrical wire.

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Electrical current is measured as ampacity. As a guide, #14 wire is good for 15 amps,
#12 wire is good for 20 amps, #10 wire is good for 30 amps.As the number gets
smaller, the size of the wire gets larger and

Electrical current is measured in ampacity. As a guide, #14 wire is designated for 15-
amp circuits, #12 wire is designated for 20-amp circuits, #10 wire for 30 amps.  his
ampacity should match the circuit size, meaning the circuit breaker or fuse that
protects it. This little tip can help you choose the correct-sized wire if you are
replacing circuit wires or installing or extending circuits.

One more thing to keep in mind is to select wire that best fits your needs. Some wire
is stranded, while other wire consists of a solid copper conductor. The solid wire
doesn't always pull as easy in conduit with a large number of bends but is sometimes
easier to secure under wire terminals such as those on switches and outlets. In
standard usage, though, the wire conductors in conduit or NM cable for household
wiring will be 14-, 12- or 10-gauge wire that is a solid copper conductor. 

The following chart gives some example of common household devices and
appliances, and maps them against their amperage capacity and recommended wire
gauge for circuits supplying those devices.

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  examples of devices in your home, the ampacity that they are rated for, and the wire
gauge recommended for that amperage. 

■ NOTE: the potential for danger occurs when a device or appliance draws more
power than the wire gauge is rated to handle. For example, plugging a heater
rated for 20 amps into a 15-amp circuit wired with 14-gauge wire poses a distinct
danger. On the other hand, plugging in a laptop computer (a mild electrical load)
to a circuit rated for 20 amps poses no danger whatsoever. The potential for
danger is most pronounced with the use of light household extension cords.
Many a household fire has occurred when a light extension cord with 16-gauge
wire is used to power a heater or heating appliance of some sort. Most
manufacturers will discourage the use of any extension cords with portable
heaters, but if one must be used, it has to be a heavy-duty cord with a high
amperage rating. 

Wire Gauges and Uses

Rated Wire
Wire Use
Ampacity Gauge

18
Low-voltage Lighting and Lamp Cords 10 Amps
Gauge

16
Extension Cords 13 Amps
Gauge

14
Light Fixtures, Lamps, Lighting Runs 15 Amps
Gauge

Receptacles, 110-volt Air Conditioners, Sump Pumps, Kitchen 12

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20 Amps
Appliances Gauge

Electric Clothes Dryers, 220-volt Window Air Conditioners, Built- 10

30 Amps
in Ovens, Electric Water Heaters Gauge

Cook Tops 45 Amps 8

Gauge

6
Electric Furnaces, Large Electric Heaters 60 Amps
Gauge

4
Electric Furnaces, Large Electric Water Heaters, Sub Panels 80 Amps
Gauge

2
Service Panels, Sub Panels 100 Amps
Gauge

1/0
Service Entrance 150 Amps
Gauge

2/0
Service Entrance 200 Amps
Gauge

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