What Size Wire for a Table Saw?
Wire and breaker sizing for a Table Saw — the typical 120V circuit, plus the code details (NEC 310.16) that change the answer.
Calculations are built on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) and cross-checked against the published code tables. How we verify. Last reviewed June 2026.
Copper
12 AWG
On a 20A 120V circuit at 75°C terminations.
Aluminum
10
Protected by a 20A breaker (NEC 240.6).
Voltage
120V
Breaker
20A
Connection
Hardwired
GFCI
Not required
Table Saw current varies by model. The size above is the common case — always size the conductor to the unit’s nameplate rating and protect it at the labeled maximum breaker/fuse.
Table Saw Circuit Details
- Portable/contractor saws run on a 120V 15–20A circuit (14–12 AWG).
- Cabinet saws are usually 240V and draw 12–18A — a 20A 240V circuit (12 AWG) is common.
- Size to the motor nameplate and avoid long extension cords.
Long run to your table saw?
Over distance, voltage drop can require a larger wire than the table above. See the 20A wire size by distance:
Size it for your exact install
Open the calculator pre-filled with 20A at 120V to add distance, material and temperature.