How do you know the electric wire size you need - Zhengzhou Al-Electric Import& Export Co., Ltd.

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How do you know the electric wire size you need

In order to install any electrical wire installation, the proper wire size for the application is needed. But how do you know what size wire to use? Wire is sized by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. Your installation of conductors will depend on a few factors. The gauge of the wire, wire capacity, and what the wire will feed should all be considered.

You'll notice that the smaller the wire gauge, the larger the ampacity that the wire can handle. Wire ampacity is the safe amount of current that a wire can handle without getting hot or causing a fire. The following examples of devices in your home, the ampacity that they are rated for, and the wire gauge, will help you determine the right size wire for the appropriate application.

Wire Gauges and Uses

Wire Use	Rated Ampacity	Wire Gauge
Low-voltage Lighting and Lamp Cords	10 Amps	18 Gauge
Extension Cords	13 Amps	16 Gauge
Light Fixtures, Lamps, Lighting Runs	15 Amps	14 Gauge
Receptacles, 110-volt Air Conditioners, Sump Pumps, Kitchen Appliances	20 Amps	12 Gauge
Electric Clothes Dryers, 220-volt Window Air Conditioners, Built-in Ovens, Electric Water Heaters	30 Amps	10 Gauge
Cook Tops	45 Amps	8 Gauge
Electric Furnaces, Large Electric Heaters	60 Amps	6 Gauge
Electric Furnaces, Large Electric Water Heaters, Sub Panels	80 Amps	4 Gauge
Service Panels, Sub Panels	100 Amps	2 Gauge
Service Entrance	150 Amps	1/0 Gauge
Service Entrance	200 Amps	2/0 Gauge

FROM :

Timothy Thiele
Electrical Guide

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