What Size Wire For 50 Amp Service

Whether y'all take a 30 amp or a 40 amp breaker, wire size is important. Here's how to determine what size wire you demand for your breaker.

Wire is sold based on several factors. The almost of import part that will exist covered here is the gauge, sometimes referred to as AWG (American Wire Guess).

Guess is a measurement of a wire, specifically its bore. AWG is the standardized system of this measurement. Wire gauge is measured from high to low with college numbers pregnant a smaller wire size.

Precise wire sizing is essential for circuit breakers as it helps make up one's mind how much electric current can flow through information technology and how much resistance it has. The chart below volition tell you approximately what wire size is needed for the amount of power that volition be running through the line.

Please notation that the information inside this commodity is intended simply as general guidelines. For whatever questions, always consult a certified electrician, as well as your local electrical codes.

Wire Size Ampacity Nautical chart

In the chart below, nosotros outline what judge wire you need for the maximum amperage, or force, of the electrical current. Notation that the gauge can sometimes vary between aluminum and copper wires. Below is the guess size based on the more unremarkably used copper wires.

Maximum Amps	vii	10	xv	twenty	30	40	55	70	95
Gauge (Wire Size)	18	16	14	12	10	eight	6	four	2

Here are some more details nigh some of the more popular amperage sizes. Remember that when y'all utilize an appliance, ever bank check the amp requirements get-go. You can calculate this by dividing Watts by Volts.

10 AMP Wire Size

For a maximum of 10 amps, you'll need a wire gauge of 16. Common appliances that require around 10 amps include: a toaster, a hair dryer, a vacuum cleaner, a radiator, a washing machine, a dishwasher, and a refrigerator.

30 AMP Wire Size

For a maximum of 30 amps, yous'll demand a wire guess of 10. The well-nigh mutual household item that requires a 30 amp circuit is a central air conditioner.Often, people living in RVs apply 30, and sometimes l, amp systems to run all the appliances in the vehicle.

xl AMP Wire Size

For a maximum of 40 amps, yous'll need a wire guess of 8. Many electric cooking appliances require 40 amps such as electric cooktops.

50 AMP Wire Size

For a maximum of 50 amps, you lot'll need a wire approximate of vi. Fifty amp breakers are most often used to power many dissimilar appliances. Withal, a kitchen oven tin can lonely crave l amps. Many electric dryers too require a 50 amp breaker.

Reading Cable Labels

You'll oft buy wires in cable, but it's important to know how to accurately read the product labels in gild to buy the right product. Here's a quick look at what to remember:

First, you'll frequently run into the AWG of the wire(s) in the cable. And so for a xiv judge wire, it will read "14."
Adjacent, you lot may see an additional number. This could read in either of these 2 formats: "xiv-2" or "14/2." This number signifies the corporeality of service wires or conductors in the cable.
Then you may come across a "G" or "w/1000." Both mean that the cable comes with a footing wire, which does non count towards the total number of wires noted on the label already.

Circuit Breakers

When updating an appliance or air conditioner, it is of import to decide the right electric current draw.

If your circuit breaker is 20 amps, yous cannot install a product that requires thirty amps. It is not as simple equally but changing the circuit billow. The wiring to the appliance also needs to be inverse.

Although, when the opposite occurs, the solution is easier. For example, let's say you were using an appliance that requires xxx amps. If y'all replace this with a new apparatus that only requires 20 amps, you will need to change the circuit billow and outlet receptacle — but you practise non need to change the wire.This is because a wire can safely acquit less power than it was rated for without whatever potential bug. However, a wire cannot conduct more power than it was rated for, otherwise it could become hot and create a burn down hazard.

Other Aspects to Consider

Wire length:

Under certain circumstances a large wire size may be needed even if your amp requirement does not seem to justify it. Go to the next largest wire size if your run is more than 100 feet, inside a conduit, or ganged with other wires where the rut dissipation may be inhibited. As with all electrical piece of work, consult a professional with any questions most special circumstances.

Wire material:

If you are using a wire that is not made of copper, brass or silver, yous will want to check to see if you need a unlike size. Aluminum wires are much less common than copper ones, and they also vary from them in requirements : They offer 61% of the conductivity of copper wires but have only 30% of the weight of copper.

What Will Happen With the Wrong Size Wire?

It is incredibly dangerous to use a wire that has a smaller gauge than needed. The wire could overheat and cook. This could lead to breaker or appliance damage and be a fire risk.

Using a wire that has a larger gauge than needed is not dangerous. Information technology can be an inconvenience, since a larger wire is usually heavier and stiffer, only it won't lead to any potential hazards.

Finding the correct wire size is an essential step to any electrical projection or excursion breaker set-upwards. It's specially important to call up that it's nearly more than only the number — call up to consider all the possible factors when it comes to wire judge. The information in this article is only a guide — we highly recommend that y'all consult with your electrician, and check your local and national electrical codes, earlier purchasing and installing wires.