The AWG
American wire gauge
American wire gauge (AWG), also known as the Brown & Sharpe wire gauge, is a standardized wire gauge system used since 1857 predominantly in North America for the diameters of round, solid, nonferrous, electrically conducting wire. Dimensions of the wires are given in ASTM standard B 258. The cross-sectional area of each gauge is an important factor for determining its current-carrying capa…
| Copper | ||
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 55 | 75 |
| 4 | 70 | 95 |
| 3 | 85 | 115 |
| 2 | 95 | 130 |
What does 6 AWG wire mean?
The AWG system uses smaller numbers to designate larger diameters. The diameter is measured by taking a cross-section of the copper portion of the wire. 6 AWG wire is on the larger end of the spectrum in terms of common use, and is appropriate for roughly 55 amps and an absolute maximum of 60 amps.
What size is AWG copper wire at 100 degrees?
AWG Copper Wire Size and Data Table Chart @ 100 Degrees F AWG Diameter Turns of wire, no insulation Area NEC copper wire ampacity with 60/75/90 ° ... 8 0.1285 3.264 7.78 40 / 50 / 55 9 0.1144 2.906 8.74 10 0.1019 2.588 9.81 30 / 35 / 40 11 0.0907 2.305 11.0 23 more rows ...
What size wire do I need for qty box?
Enter the desired footage in the QTY box. Minimum 1' to maximum 2000'. Please call for longer put ups. 6 AWG THHN/THWN-2 building wire is intended for general purpose applications as defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC). 6 AWG THHN-THWN-2 is permitted for new construction or rewiring for 600-volt applications.
What is a 6 gauge copper wire used for?
This 6-gauge copper USE-2 is used to connect the transformer to the meter base and the meter base to the main distribution panel. Sold by the foot. Use to connect the transformer to the meter base and the meter base to the main distribution panel Special orders must be purchased in full reel quantities (1000 feet)
How many amps can #6 copper wire carry?
60 amps6 Gauge Wire Amps Chart As you can see, the maximum number of amps a 6 gauge wire can handle is 60 amps. This is the 6 AWG copper wire at 90°C (194°F).
Can number 6 wire carry 60 amps?
This is what all those homeowners that mistakenly use 6 AWG gauge wire for 60 amp breaker don't take into account. 6 AWG can only handle 65 amps. Here's what a professional will know: The next wire size that can handle more than 75 amps (as required for a 60 amp breaker) is the 4 AWG gauge wire.
What amp rating is 6 gauge wire?
RULES OF THUMB “Twelve-gauge wire is good for 20 amps, 10-gauge wire is good for 30 amps, 8-gauge is good for 40 amps, and 6-gauge is good for 55 amps,” and “The circuit breaker or fuse is always sized to protect the conductor [wire].”
Can 6 gauge wire handle 70 amps?
In particular, a 4 AWG copper cable can hold at least 70 amps of electricity before giving up. Meanwhile, a 6 AWG copper wire can only hold up to 55 amps before it falters.
What size wire do I need to run 50 amps 100 feet?
6 AWGFor every 100 feet, voltage drops by 20%. Example: 50 amp wire is usually the 6 AWG (we require at least 62.5A and 6 AWG can handle 65A). If you have to power an electric device 100 feet away, you need 20% amps more. Instead of 62.5A, you're looking at 62.5A × 1.2 = 75A.
What wire size do I need to go 100 feet for a 60 amp service to a workshop?
What size wire should I use for a 60 amp subpanel? You can get away with 6 AWG when you have a short run of wire, however, due to voltage drop, if you ever decide you want to go more than 100 feet then a 4 AWG is the size you should choose.
How Far Will 6 gauge wire carry 50 amps?
Yes, a 6 gauge wire can definitely handle 50 amps. A 6 gauge wire will handle amperage all the way up to 55. You will find that most appliances use a 50 amp breaker.
What size wire do I need for a 100 amp subpanel?
The cable must have a wire gauge sufficient to the amperage of the subpanel—a 100-amp subpanel requires #4 copper wires or, more commonly, #2 aluminum wires, for example. (Aluminum is often used for feeder cables because the cost is typically much lower than that of copper wires.)
What size wire do I need for 100 amp?
A 100 amp breaker panel requires either #4 copper wiring or #2 aluminum or copper-clad wiring. Which wire used is determined by the voltage drop and length of the wiring. Many licensed electricians use #2 copper-clad or aluminum wire size.
What size wire do I need for a 70 amp breaker?
Final answer: #4Cu or #2Al.
What size wire is needed for 70 amps?
Wire Size and Amp RatingsWire Size60°C (140°F)AWG(mm²)Copper6(13.3)554(21.2)703(26.7)8517 more rows
Can you use 6 gauge wire for 100 amp service?
Before I elaborate further, let me give you the answer you came here for. What wire size is needed for 100 AMP service? For 100 AMP service, you'll need a #4 AWG copper wire or #2 AWG aluminum or copper-clad wire. Make sure to limit your voltage drop to 3% regardless of distance.
Can 6 gauge wire handle 50 amps?
For a maximum of 50 amps, you'll need a wire gauge of 6.
What size wire do I need for a 60 amp subpanel?
6AWG copper wire would be the minimum for a 60A subpanel but with a 105ft distance you have too much voltage drop and need to go up to 4AWG copper to keep the voltage drop within acceptable limits (usually 5%).
How many amps is #6 Thhn good for?
Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Copper ConductorsConductor Size (AWG/KCMIL)60°C (140°F) TW, UF90°C (194°F) TBS, SA, SIS, FEP, FEPB, MI, RHH, RHW-2, THHN, THHW, THW-2, THWN-2, XHH, XHHW, XHHW-2, USE-2, ZW, PV84055655754709538511520 more rows
What size wire do I need for a 60 amp hot tub?
6 gaugeSome spa manufacturers require a 60amp breaker. Although some manufacturers state their spas can use 8 guage wiring for a 50amp circuit, we recommend 6 gauge wiring on all 50/60 amp installations....(Printable PDF)Breaker AmperageWire Size408 gauge506 gauge606 gauge2 more rows
What is 6 gauge wire?
Typically, 6 gauge is used in cases where smaller diameters of wire just wouldn’t be able to handle the large amount of current needed in order to successfully run a certain kind of appliance or electrical system. Such appliances tend to be on the larger size, and include cooktops and ranges, hot tubs, certain HVAC units, ...
What is 6 AWG wire used for?
Knowing the various applications of this specific kind of wire is necessary if you intend on undertaking any kind of home appliance installation, home remodeling and reconstruction, and other kinds of extensive construction and electrical service projects.
How to measure AWG wire?
The AWG system uses smaller numbers to designate larger diameters. The diameter is measured by taking a cross-section of the copper portion of the wire. 6 AWG wire is on the larger end of the spectrum in terms of common use, and is appropriate for roughly 55 amps and an absolute maximum of 60 amps. The heavier the gauge, the higher the amps that are appropriate for the wire in question. Matching the right gauge to your projected ampacity and determining the operating temperature, and the flexibility needed helps determine the kind of wire you need.
What is amp wire?
Amperage is a measure of the current that a wire can handle without overheating. Forcing more amps than a wire can handle is a dangerous safety hazard, and is why there are standards for wire sizes and maximum current set to begin with. The load requirement will determine the size of the wire that you need as outlined by the National Eletrcic Code.
What is the difference between a cheap cable and a well made cable?
Cheaply made cables will have insulation that breaks down over time, which greatly increases the risk of overheating and potential fires. Well-made cables, such as the kind that we carry here at EWCS, have insulation that can endure rigorous use, which is what you want out of any kind of wire, especially larger gauges such as 6.
What is the purpose of choosing the right size wire for the job?
Choosing the right size wire for the job, as well as a quality brand from a reputable source will ensure that you are mitigating any possible safety hazards. The standards we set for our products ensure that you not only have access to a wide selection for all of your possible needs, but the products in question are of a quality you can count on.
How to contact EWCswire?
If you have any questions or concerns about our wires or how to order, you can easily reach us at 1-800-262-1598, or by Email at [email protected] and a member of our team will be ready to help you.
What gauge wire is used for a switch?
But solid wire is usually easier to secure under screw terminals, such as those found on standard switches and receptacles. In standard usage, though, the wire conductors in conduit or NM cable for household wiring will be 14-, 12- or 10-gauge wire that is a solid copper conductor.
What is wire gauge?
Wire gauge refers the physical size of the wire, rated with a numerical designation that runs opposite to the diameter ...
Why is it important to make wires larger?
The higher the amperage rating of the circuit, the larger the wires need to be in order to avoid excess heat that can melt wires ...
Why is aluminum wire used in homes?
Aluminum wiring was once widely used, but because it was found that aluminum had a greater expansion profile under load, it often loosened wire connections and sometimes caused electrical fires.
Why is wire gauge important?
Why Wire Gauge Is Important. While circuit breakers or fuses offers good protection against overloading wires and overheating them, they are not absolute protection. Both these devices are designed to sense current overloads and to trip or "blow" before the wires can overheat to the danger point.
How to determine the proper size of a circuit?
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. Once the proper amperage is determined, though, it is critical, that the wire gauge used in the circuit is appropriate for the amperage ...
Can you use 16 gauge extension cords with portable heaters?
Many a household fire has occurred when a light extension cord with 16-gauge wire is used to power a heater or heating appliance of some sort. Most manufacturers will discourage the use of any extension cords with portable heaters , but if one must be used, ...
What is a 1049 conductor?
1049. For some high-current applications, conductor sizes beyond the practical size limit of round wire are required. In these instances, thick bars of solid metal called busbars are used as conductors. Busbars are usually made of copper or aluminum, and are most often uninsulated.
What is AWG gauge?
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) measurement system was designed with a purpose: for every three steps in the gauge scale, wire area (and weight per unit length) approximately doubles. This is a handy rule to remember when making rough wire size estimations!
