Electrical Wire Amperage Rating

You must use the correct size wire for the current load requirement of the circuit to prevent the wire from overheating.

Electrical wire amperage rating.

The proper circuit size as indicated by amperage 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. Electrical conductor wire size or gauge awg or kcmil. The number and type of electrical devices connected to a circuit determine the ampacity requirement of the conductor. Ampacity rating copper wire conductors.

When a cord has three current carrying conductors there is a decrease in amperage. Current is measured in amperes or amps. The tables below are intended to be a general guide for wire size and amp ratings. Nfpa 70 national electrical code table 310 15 b 16 size 60 c 140 f 75 c 167 f 90 c 194 f 60 c 140 f 75 c 167 f 90 c 194 f size.

Usually a general purpose house circuit is designed for 20. Likewise when the length of the cord exceeds fifty feet there is a decrease in amperage. Table of common electrical wire sizes and amps or fuse ratings residential sec cable other wire ampacities for 1 3 current carrying conductors in cable earth or raceway for 120 240 volt systems sized between 100 and 400 amperes. 60 c 140 f 75 c 167 f awg mm copper.

The amperage rating of a cord is a function of the wire gauge number of current carrying conductors and length of the cord.