| Gauge of wire |
Use |
Ampacity |
Maximum wattage load |
| 1 |
Service entrance |
125 amps |
30,000 watts |
| 2 |
Service entrance |
95 amps |
22,800 watts |
| 4 |
Service entrance
Main ground |
70 amps |
16,800 watts |
| 6 |
Main ground
240 volt appliance (range) |
50 amps |
9600 watts |
| 8 |
Single 120 volt appliance (doubled 240 appliance;
dryer or heater) |
40 amps |
7680 watts (240 volts) |
| 10 |
Single 120 volt appliance (doubled 240 volt
appliance; dryer) |
30 amps |
2880 watts (120 volts)
5760 watts (240 volts) |
| 12 |
small appliances;
lighting |
20 amps |
1920 watts (120 volts)
3840 watts (240 volts) |
| 14 |
lighting |
15 amps |
1440 watts (120 volts) |
| 16 -22 |
Low voltage applications
(door bells, thermostats) |
|
|
