12 AWG Wire Ampacity & Specifications
12 AWG copper wire carries 25A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16), or 20A for aluminum, and is typically protected by a 20A 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.
12 AWG wire has an ampacity of 25A at 75°C for copper and 20A for aluminum (NEC Table 310.16). Its 60°C and 90°C copper ratings are 20A and 30A. It is commonly protected by a 20A breaker, since 12 AWG is limited to 20A overcurrent protection by NEC 240.4(D).
Copper 75°C
25A
Copper 90°C
30A
Aluminum 75°C
20A
Typical breaker
20A
12 AWG Wire Specifications
| Ampacity — Copper (60 / 75 / 90°C) | 20 / 25 / 30 A |
| Ampacity — Aluminum (60 / 75 / 90°C) | 15 / 20 / 25 A |
| Cross-section | 6,530 circular mils |
| DC resistance — Copper | 1.93 Ω / 1000 ft |
| DC resistance — Aluminum | 3.18 Ω / 1000 ft |
| Typical voltage drop (240V) | 1.6% at 50 ft · 3.2% at 100 ft (at 20A) |
Common Uses for 12 AWG Wire
- 20A kitchen, bath and garage receptacle circuits
- Most home 20A branch circuits
Ampacities are from NEC Table 310.16. 14, 12 and 10 AWG are limited to 15A, 20A and 30A overcurrent protection (240.4(D)). Terminations rated 60°C or 75°C usually cap the usable ampacity below the 90°C value.
Sizing a circuit?
Use the calculator to size wire for your current, distance and voltage.