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It depends upon the distance, but typically a short to medium run (0-50 feet) of 12 gauge can carry 20 amps safely. There are charts that list the gauge of wire and the length of runs that can carry amperages safely. For instance, a 12 gauge wire run 150 feet can only carry 15 amps safely instead of 20. The longer the run, you need to drop a gauge as a general rule.

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12y ago
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12y ago

In the United States and according to the NEC, 12 gauge COPPER wire cannot be placed on any breaker larger than 20 amps. There are exceptions to this regarding motors, but I'm guessing this isn't a motor question. Beyond motors, there are no exceptions to this rule.

Voltage isn't a consideration in most cases because if you just go to a store and ask for wire, what they usually sell you is THHN insulated wire that is rated 600 volts. So long as the voltage rating is at or above any voltage contained in the same conduit or wireway, it is acceptable.

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15y ago

# 12 wire stranded or solid is rated at 20 amps.

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11y ago

Typically 20 amps in residential and most commercial applications.

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12y ago

A #14 copper conductor with a insulation factor of 60,75 or 90 degrees C is rated at 15 amps.

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15y ago

20 amps

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Anonymous

Lvl 1
3y ago

20 amp

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Anonymous

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3y ago

20

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Q: What is the amp load of a 12 gauge wire?
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Related questions

What size hot wire do you need for a 1900 watt amp?

A 12 gauge wire can support a load of approximately 2200 watts.


What is the amp rating of NM wire?

The ampacity or amp rating of all wire is rated by the size of the wire. NM (non-metallic sheathing) wire is no different. In household wiring 14 gauge wire must go on a 15 amp breaker/ 12 gauge goes on a 20 A and 10 gauge goes on a 30 Amp.


Can you go from a 14 gauge to 12 gauge wire?

it is not recommended because the 14 gauge wire is not capable of carrying the same amount of load as the 12 gauge wire which could result in a fire.


If your fuse box supports 20 amp fuses can you replace one current 15 amp fuse with a 20 amp fuse?

The purpose of a fuse it to protect the wire that goes to the load. A 15 amp fuse protects a #14 gauge wire. A 20 amp fuse protects a #12 gauge wire. To answer your question if the wire size is #12 coming from the 15 amp fuse now then it can be upped to 20 amp fuse. If it isn't then you are taking the risk of overloading the #14 wire with a 20 amp fuse. This can lead to insulation failure of the #14 wire, overheating with the possible outcome of a fire breaking out somewhere in the circuit.


What gauge wire is used on a 20 amp breaker?

AWG 12.


What size wire in a 40 amp 12 volt circuit?

Use 8 gauge wire.


Is it safe to use 10 gauge wire on a 20 amp breaker for a microwave?

No, 10 gauge wire requires the use of a 30 amp breaker. A 20 amp breaker is only used on 12 gauge wire.


What gauge wire for 30 amp at 12 ft?

A #10 copper wire with an insulation rated at 90 degree C has a rating of 30 amps. Over the distance of 12 feet, there is no appreciable voltage drop that will effect the load.


What is stronger holding current load a 12 gauge wire or a 14 gauge wire?

The lower gauge number is always a thicker wire which can carry more current.


What is a wire gauge and what is it's use?

wire gauge is used to determine the size of the wire to be installed based on the amperage draw of whatever is being hooked up on the receiving end. ie 14 gauge is for a 15 amp circuit, 12 gauge is for a 20 amp circuit, 10 gauge 30 amp etc. to get specific amp draw ratings on a particular gauge of wire look at a current National Electric code book or ugly book.


Could 12 gauge wire is used on a 20 amp circuit at 120V?

Yes.


Can you use 14-3 wire on a 20amp breaker?

No. A 20 amp breaker needs 12 gauge wire.