14 AWG Wire Ampacity & Specifications
14 AWG copper wire carries 20A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16), and is typically protected by a 15A 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.
14 AWG wire has an ampacity of 20A at 75°C for copper (NEC Table 310.16). Its 60°C and 90°C copper ratings are 15A and 25A. It is commonly protected by a 15A breaker, since 14 AWG is limited to 15A overcurrent protection by NEC 240.4(D).
Copper 75°C
20A
Copper 90°C
25A
Aluminum 75°C
—
Typical breaker
15A
14 AWG Wire Specifications
| Ampacity — Copper (60 / 75 / 90°C) | 15 / 20 / 25 A |
| Ampacity — Aluminum (60 / 75 / 90°C) | — / — / — A |
| Cross-section | 4,110 circular mils |
| DC resistance — Copper | 3.07 Ω / 1000 ft |
| DC resistance — Aluminum | 5.06 Ω / 1000 ft |
| Typical voltage drop (240V) | 1.9% at 50 ft · 3.8% at 100 ft (at 15A) |
Common Uses for 14 AWG Wire
- 15A lighting and receptacle branch circuits
- Residential general-purpose wiring
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.
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