Wire Gauge Amp Chart | PES Supply

Wire Gauge Amp Chart | PES Supply

Complete AWG wire sizing reference for copper and aluminum conductors

Copper Wire Ampacity Chart (NEC Table 310.16)

AWG Size 60°C (140°F) 75°C (167°F) 90°C (194°F) Resistance (Ω/kft) Max Distance @3% VD (120V)
14 AWG 15A 20A 25A 2.525 24 ft
12 AWG 20A 25A 30A 1.588 38 ft
10 AWG 30A 35A 40A 0.999 60 ft
8 AWG 40A 50A 55A 0.628 95 ft
6 AWG 55A 65A 75A 0.395 151 ft
4 AWG 70A 85A 95A 0.249 239 ft
3 AWG 85A 100A 115A 0.197 302 ft
2 AWG 95A 115A 130A 0.156 381 ft
1 AWG 110A 130A 150A 0.124 479 ft
1/0 AWG 125A 150A 170A 0.098 607 ft
2/0 AWG 145A 175A 195A 0.078 765 ft
3/0 AWG 165A 200A 225A 0.062 962 ft
4/0 AWG 195A 230A 260A 0.049 1,217 ft

Breaker Size to Wire Size Reference

Breaker Size Copper Wire (75°C) Aluminum Wire (75°C) Typical Application
15A 14 AWG 12 AWG Lighting, outlets
20A 12 AWG 10 AWG Kitchen, bathroom outlets
30A 10 AWG 8 AWG Electric dryer, water heater
40A 8 AWG 6 AWG Range, EV charger
50A 6 AWG 4 AWG Large range, spa
60A 4 AWG 3 AWG Sub-panel feed
100A 2 AWG 1/0 AWG Sub-panel, small home
150A 1/0 AWG 2/0 AWG Medium home service
200A 2/0 AWG 4/0 AWG Standard home service
400A 400 kcmil 600 kcmil Large home / commercial

Solar PV Wire Sizing

Solar Array Size String Current Wire Size (Copper, 90°C) Recommended Breaker
3-5 panels (1.5kW) 10A 14 AWG (PV Wire) 15A
6-8 panels (2.5kW) 10A 12 AWG 15A
10-14 panels (4kW) 10-12A 10 AWG 20A
15-20 panels (6kW) 12-15A 8 AWG 25A
25-30 panels (9kW) 15-20A 6 AWG 30A

How to Choose the Right Wire Size

When selecting wire size, consider three factors:

  • Ampacity: Wire must safely carry the maximum current without overheating
  • Voltage drop: For runs over 50 feet, increase wire size to keep voltage drop under 3%
  • Temperature rating: Most modern circuits use 75°C rated wire and terminals

For solar installations, use USE-2 or PV Wire (rated for 90°C wet/dry) for panel connections, and THWN-2 for conduit runs.