» Residential Electrical Wiring: Guide to Home Wiring
» Need Electrical Help? Get a Quick Reply! Ask the Electrician
Wire size for 1200 watts
 |
By Dave Rongey
Summary: Electrical Wiring Question: What GAGE wire or wire size is appropriate to handle up to 1200 watts of home current on a 120 volt, 20 amp circuit Name : P A. |
Wire size for 1200 watts
Electrical Troubleshooting Question:
What gauge wire or wire size is appropriate to handle up to 1200 watts of home current on a 120volt, 20 amp circuit?
Name P A.
Hi P A. - Great Electrical Repair Question!
For home wiring the following apply: #12 wire is rated for 1920 Watts at 120 volts. #14 wire is rated for 1440 Watts at 120 volts. These are rated at 80% load factors.
I don't know what your application is, however if you are installing a device that specifies a 120 volt, 20 amp circuit then you should use #12 wire. Some devices specify the circuit breaker or fuse size based upon the electrical device protection requirement.
Please pay close attention to the device electrical specifications.
As always, it is recommended to hire a licensed electrician when installing new circuits. I love to get feed back so let me know if this helps you, and if you have any further questions.
|
|
||||||||
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. |
||
|
