How do you determine what size electrical wire is best to use?

Question

How do you determine what size electrical wire is best to use?

Answer 1

It depends on many things, best to call a qualified professional electrician. They are paid to do the job right the first time.  The load of the circuit will determine the breaker size required, the purpose of the circuit will determine the wire required.  There are too many variables to give an answer that is correct.  In general residential use, lights are on 14 guage and a 15 amp circuit, outlets 12 guage and a 20 amp circuit, dryer, range, and water heater are all larger. Call a qualified professional electrician before you kill someone.

Answer 2

This would be totally dependent on the maximum load to be on the line. What would be the rating of what you wish to power?

If a larger than needed wire size is used, it reduces the resistance and stays cooler, therefore in items like dryers and ranges it will lower the utility cost. Never place a breaker larger than the wires rated duty.

E-mail if more info is needed.

Answer 3

#10 up to 30 amp

#12 up to 20 anp

#14 up to 15 amp

#16 up to 10 amp

But there are codes and in most housing # 12 is standard in most places.

For copper wire.

rd

Answer 4

Depends on current/breaker use 14ga for 15 amp;12ga for 20 amp;10ga for 30 amp;8ga for 40amp;etc (get the picture increase in breaker means next larger (smaller ga) wire)

Answer 5

It isn't what is best. That infers that there is a choice. There isn't. You need to check wiring codes for size and type of wire. For example for a 15 amp circuit you will need #14 wire. In the case of type, you will have differences for burial (sheath protection), outside (temperature rated) and inside.

Answer 6

By the fuse. A 15 amp circuit needs 14 gauge wire, a 20 amp needs 12 gauge. Don't mix them up. It may sound like you can use the thicker wire in a 15 amp but you shouldn't. The fuse trips due to heat and the smaller the wire, the faster it gets hot. Mixing them can cause a fire hazard.