Common household wire and fuse sizes

Electrical · Branch Circuit Wiring (Distribution Wiring) · printed page 99 (PDF page 100)

Original page Sign in to save

Text in the illustration

14 AWG copper wire
common uses:
most circuits for lighting and receptacles, electric baseboard heaters
typical fuse/breaker size:
15 amps
12 AWG copper wire
some receptacles, electric baseboard heaters, small air conditioners
20 amps
10 AWG copper wire
electric clothes dryers, air conditioners, water heaters
30 amps
8 AWG copper wire
electric stoves and ovens
40 amps

Generated explanation

The illustration charts four common copper conductor sizes with their household uses and typical fuse or circuit breaker ratings. Each conductor is shown with insulation, an exposed copper end, and an end-on cross-section; the 14, 12, and 10 AWG conductors are solid, while the 8 AWG conductor is stranded. The chart pairs 14 AWG with 15 amps for lighting, receptacles, and baseboard heaters, and 12 AWG with 20 amps for some receptacles, baseboard heaters, and small air conditioners. It pairs 10 AWG with 30 amps for clothes dryers, air conditioners, and water heaters, and 8 AWG with 40 amps for electric stoves and ovens. No wiring defect or installation is depicted.

Components

insulated electrical conductors solid copper conductors stranded copper conductor conductor insulation

Materials

copper electrical insulation

Related illustrations

0561

Common household wire and fuse sizes

· p. 95

The chart depicts four sizes of insulated copper wire with exposed conductors and end views, pairing each with common household uses and typical fuse or circuit breaker ratings. The 14 AWG wire is paired with 15 amps for