Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams

wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable
ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Installing and Wire Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable

What is the Electrical Wire Capacity

electrical-wire-code Summary: The amperage capacity of electrical wire is determined by a few factors. The insulation materials used to protect the actual wire conductor are an important factor when selecting an electrical wire or cable. The following table demonstrates Standard Over Current Devices with 75 Degree Rated Terminals.


Selecting Wire Sizes for Electrical Wiring


Electrical Wiring Video

Install a Generator and Transfer Switch Panel

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos

Will Display at the End of This Video

So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!


Check out my YouTube Channel:
» AskTheElectrician «
and Subscribe!


Electrical Wire Capacities

It is essential to understand that there are allowable ampacities of insulated wire conductors.

The insulation materials used to protect the actual wire conductor are designed for specific applications.

Some types of wire insulation protect the wire against overheating and external elements such as direct sunlight exposure, moisture as well as some corrosive substances, to mention just a few.

Not all wire insulation types are designed the same, therefore they have specific amperage capacities.

The wire or conductor size and type is determined by the by the specific application and the load requirement. Other considerations that will affect the wire size may be the total length of the run of wire to be installed and if the wire will be installed into conduit or in an open air environment.
This table shows the Amperage Rating for Home Electrical Wire Sizes

Although this is the most common table used to determine wire size, this is just one example.

Standard Over Current Devices with 75 Degree Rated Terminals
Circuit
Size
Copper Cable
Type NM, NM-B
Copper Cable
Type SE, USE
Aluminum Cable
Type SE, USE
15 #14 - -
20 #12 #12 #12
25 #10 #12 #10
30 #10 #10 #10
35 #8 #8 #8
40 #8 #8 #8
45 #6 #8 #6
50 #6 #8 #6
55 #6 #6 #4
60 #4 #6 #4
65 #4 #6 #4
70 #4 #4 #3
75 #3 #4 #3
80 #3 #3 #2
85 #3 #3 #2
90 #2 #3 #2
100 #1 #3 #1
115 1/0 #2 1/0
120 1/0 #1 1/0

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here is How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.


  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.





Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

electrical parts

Residential Electrical Parts and Accessories


Light Switches

120volt Outlets

Circuit Breakers

Electrician Tools

Voltage Testers





RELATED


More about Electrical wire capacity

Baseboard Electric Heater Circuit Wiring
Can I Put More Than One Set of Baseboard Heaters on the Same Circuit Breaker? How to Install a Baseboard Heater, Electrical Circuit Wiring.

Install an Electrical Sub Panel
Thinking about installing a Sub Panel? Here is what must be considered first, and you may find that you really do not need a sub panel at all.

Connecting A Generator To A Home Video
How should I install the wiring to connect a generator to my home? Planning and Installing a Generator with a Transfer Switch: How to Connect a Generator to a Home.

Electrical Question from Martin about 240 Volt Wall Heater Wiring
Will 12-2 wire and a 20 amp breaker handle a 4000 watt 240 volt wall heater?

Can I Use A Remote Control Switch For Lighting?
How to Wire a Remote Control for Light Fixtures: Installing a Control Module, Wiring the Control Devices, Security and Monitoring Options.

How Many Electrical Wires In a Junction Box
How to Wire a Junction Box: Selecting a Junction Box for Electrical Wiring, The Basics of Electrical Junction Boxes, The number of wires that are allowed in a Junction Box.

Electrical Circuit Requirements for Kitchen Ovens
I am installing an oven that is 240 volt, what type of dedicated circuit do I need? How to Wire a 240 Volt Oven Circuit: Kitchen Oven Electrical Wiring and Circuit Requirements.

How to Extend Electrical Wiring for a Light Switch
Wiring a Light Switch - How to Add Electrical Wiring for a Outlet and a Light Switch and Extending the Electrical Circuit Wiring for an Outlet and Light Switch.

electrical wire capacity - 1533