Ampacity is the current a wire can safely carry. This chart shows copper wire at the 60°C rating common in homes, with typical uses. Aluminum carries less and must be sized up.
| Wire (AWG) | Ampacity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 15 A | Lighting circuits |
| 12 | 20 A | Outlets, kitchen circuits |
| 10 | 30 A | Dryer, water heater |
| 8 | 40 A | Range, sub-feeds |
| 6 | 55 A | Large appliances |
| 4 | 70 A | Sub-panels |
| 2 | 95 A | Service / sub-panel |
| 1/0 | 125 A | Service entrance |
Derate for conditions. Bundling wires, high ambient temperature, and long runs all reduce safe ampacity. Always follow the NEC and your local code — this chart is a planning reference.
See the Breaker Size Chart and AWG Wire Gauge Chart.
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