10 AWG Wire Ampacity & Specifications
10 AWG copper wire carries 35A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16), or 30A for aluminum; copper is typically protected by a 30A breaker.
Calculations are built on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) and cross-checked against the published code tables. How we verify. Last updated June 2026.
10 AWG wire has an ampacity of 35A at 75°C for copper and 30A for aluminum (NEC Table 310.16). Its 60°C and 90°C copper ratings are 30A and 40A. Copper 10 AWG is commonly protected by a 30A breaker, since 10 AWG is limited to 30A overcurrent protection by NEC 240.4(D).
Copper 75°C
35A
Copper 90°C
40A
Aluminum 75°C
30A
Copper breaker (75°C)
30A
10 AWG Wire Specifications
| Ampacity — Copper (60 / 75 / 90°C) | 30 / 35 / 40 A |
| Ampacity — Aluminum (60 / 75 / 90°C) | 25 / 30 / 35 A |
| Cross-section | 10,380 circular mils |
| DC resistance — Copper | 1.21 Ω / 1000 ft |
| DC resistance — Aluminum | 2 Ω / 1000 ft |
| Typical voltage drop (240V) | 1.5% at 50 ft · 3.0% at 100 ft (at 30A) |
Common Uses for 10 AWG Wire
- 30A circuits — dryers, water heaters, small AC, 30A RV
- Window AC and electric water heaters
Ampacities are from NEC Table 310.16. Copper 14, 12 and 10 AWG are limited to 15A, 20A and 30A overcurrent protection, aluminum 12 and 10 AWG to 15A and 25A (240.4(D)). Terminations rated 60°C or 75°C usually cap the usable ampacity below the 90°C value.
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