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» Residential Wiring Codes
» Residential Electrical Wiring: Guide to Home Wiring
» Need Electrical Help? Get a Quick Reply! Ask the Electrician
What is the Electrical Wire Capacity
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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.
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Selecting Wire Sizes for Electrical Wiring
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 |
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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. |
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