Wire Size and Amp Ratings

guiy fixing wires in a panel

This entry was published on December 14, 2023 by Kevin Pommells

The table below shows a general guideline for wire size and amp ratings.

Insulated Conductors and their ampacities

Wire Size
60°C (140°F)
75°C (167°F)
AWG (mm²) Copper Aluminum Copper Aluminum
700 (355) - - 460 375
600 (304) - - 420 340
500 (253) - - 380 310
400 (203) - - 355 270
350 (177) - - 310 250
300 (152) - - 285 230
250 kcmil (127) - - 255 205
1/0 (53.5) - - 150 120
2/0 (67.4) - - 175 135
3/0 (85.0) - - 200 155
4/0 (107.2) - - 230 180
1 (42.4) 110 85 130 100
2 (33.6) 95 75 115 90
3 (26.7) 85 65 100 75
4 (21.2) 70 55 85 65
6 (13.3) 55 40 65 50
8 (8.4) 40 30 50 40
10 (5.3) 30 25 30 25
12 (3.3) 20 15 20 15
14 (2.1) 15 - 15 -

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Conclusion

Listen up – messing around with electrical wires is like playing with lightning, and trust me, you don't want to become a real-life sparkler. If you wire things up wrong, you might end up looking like a mad scientist's experiment gone wrong. For the sake of your well-being and your property (because no one wants a crispy home), do yourself a favor: chat with the National Electrical Code®, drop a line to your local building inspector, or call in the electrician cavalry. Stay zappy, but in a safe, controlled, non-electrocutiony way!

About Author:

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Hi, I'm Kevin Pommells, a lover of camping and the great outdoors as everyone says nowadays. I'm also a passionate soccer fan and the proud owner of CamperRules.com, a website dedicated to helping campers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their adventures. With years of experience exploring the wilderness and a deep love for the sport of soccer, I'm always looking for new ways to combine my two passions and share my knowledge with others. Follow me for tips, tricks, and insights on all things camping and outdoor recreation.

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