Wire Gauge Ampacity Chart
AWG-to-amps for every wire gauge from 14 AWG to 600 kcmil — NEC Table 310.16 copper and aluminum ampacities at 60, 75 and 90°C.
Wire ampacity is the maximum current a conductor can carry continuously without exceeding its temperature rating. The chart below lists NEC Table 310.16 ampacities for copper and aluminum from 14 AWG to 600 kcmil at the 60, 75 and 90°C insulation columns. Use the column that matches your terminations (most breakers and lugs are rated 75°C), and remember that 14, 12 and 10 AWG copper are capped at 15, 20 and 30 A of overcurrent protection by NEC 240.4(D).
| Wire size | Cu 60°C | Cu 75°C | Cu 90°C | Al 75°C | Typical breaker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 AWG | 110 | 130 | 150 | 100 | 125A | Details |
| 2 AWG | 95 | 115 | 130 | 90 | 110A | Details |
| 3 AWG | 85 | 100 | 110 | 75 | 100A | Details |
| 4 AWG | 70 | 85 | 95 | 65 | 80A | Details |
| 6 AWG | 55 | 65 | 75 | 50 | 60A | Details |
| 8 AWG | 40 | 50 | 55 | 40 | 50A | Details |
| 10 AWG | 30 | 35 | 40 | 30 | 30A | Details |
| 12 AWG | 20 | 25 | 30 | 20 | 20A | Details |
| 14 AWG | 15 | 20 | 25 | — | 15A | Details |
| 1/0 AWG | 125 | 150 | 170 | 120 | 150A | Details |
| 2/0 AWG | 145 | 175 | 195 | 135 | 175A | Details |
| 3/0 AWG | 165 | 200 | 225 | 155 | 200A | Details |
| 4/0 AWG | 195 | 230 | 260 | 180 | 225A | Details |
| 250 kcmil | 215 | 255 | 290 | 205 | 250A | Details |
| 300 kcmil | 240 | 285 | 320 | 230 | 250A | Details |
| 350 kcmil | 260 | 310 | 350 | 250 | 300A | Details |
| 400 kcmil | 280 | 335 | 380 | 270 | 300A | Details |
| 500 kcmil | 320 | 380 | 430 | 310 | 350A | Details |
| 600 kcmil | 350 | 420 | 475 | 340 | 400A | Details |
NEC Table 310.16. 14/12/10 AWG limited to 15/20/30A protection (240.4(D)). Reference only — verify against the current code.
How to Read This Ampacity Chart
- Pick the temperature column that matches your terminations. Ampacity depends on the insulation and termination rating. Most residential breakers and lugs are listed for 75°C, so the 75°C column is the usual answer even when the wire's insulation is rated 90°C (NEC 110.14(C)).
- Apply the 240.4(D) small-conductor rule. Regardless of the table value, 14 AWG copper is limited to 15 A, 12 AWG to 20 A, and 10 AWG to 30 A of overcurrent protection.
- Derate for ambient heat and conduit fill. Table 310.16 assumes a 30°C ambient and no more than three current-carrying conductors. Hotter spaces or fuller conduits reduce the usable ampacity (NEC 310.15(B) and (C)).
- Add 25% for continuous loads. For loads running 3 hours or more, the conductor and breaker are sized at 125% of the load (NEC 210.19(A)/215.2).
Common Wire Gauge Ampacity Questions
How many amps can 12 AWG wire carry?
12 AWG copper is rated 25A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16); the 60 and 90°C ratings are 20A and 30A. Aluminum 12 AWG is 20A at 75°C. It typically serves a 20A circuit. Full 12 AWG specs →
How many amps can 10 AWG wire carry?
10 AWG copper is rated 35A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16); the 60 and 90°C ratings are 30A and 40A. Aluminum 10 AWG is 30A at 75°C. It typically serves a 30A circuit. Full 10 AWG specs →
How many amps can 8 AWG wire carry?
8 AWG copper is rated 50A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16); the 60 and 90°C ratings are 40A and 55A. Aluminum 8 AWG is 40A at 75°C. It typically serves a 50A circuit. Full 8 AWG specs →
How many amps can 6 AWG wire carry?
6 AWG copper is rated 65A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16); the 60 and 90°C ratings are 55A and 75A. Aluminum 6 AWG is 50A at 75°C. It typically serves a 60A circuit. Full 6 AWG specs →
How many amps can 4 AWG wire carry?
4 AWG copper is rated 85A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16); the 60 and 90°C ratings are 70A and 95A. Aluminum 4 AWG is 65A at 75°C. It typically serves a 80A circuit. Full 4 AWG specs →
Need a size for a specific circuit?
The calculator applies the temperature column, 240.4(D) limit, continuous-load rule and voltage drop for your exact current, distance and voltage.