AMPACITY CHARTS

Amperage is a measure of the electrical current flowing through a circuit. Current is measured in amperes or "amps". You must use the correct size wire for the amperage requirement of the circuit to prevent the wire from over heating. The number and type of electrical devices connected to a circuit determine the amperage requirement of the circuit. Usually, a general purpose house circuit is designed for 20 amps. Lighting circuits may be designed for only 15 amps. To calculate the amperage for a circuit, first add up the wattage of all the electrical devices that will be on the circuit. Then, divide the total wattage by the voltage of the system, 110 or 220, and that will give you the expected current or amps.

Wire Size and Amp Ratings

Copper 60C (140F) NM-B Wire Gauge Size UF-B -----

Aluminum 90C (194F) THWN-2 THHN XHHW-2

USE-2

75C (167F) THW THWN SE

USE

75C (167F) THW THWN SE

USE

90C (194F) XHHW-2 THHN TWHN-2

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14 12 10 8 6 4 3 2 1 1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 250 300 350 500 600 750 1000

----15 20 30 40 55 70 85 95 -------------------------

XHHW USE 15 20 30 50 65 85 100 115 130 150 175 200 230 255 285 310 380 420 475 545

----15 20 30 55 75 95 110 130 150 170 195 225 260 290 320 350 430 475 535 615

XHHW USE --15 25 40 50 65 75 90 100 120 135 155 180 205 230 250 310 340 385 445

------15 25 45 60 75 85 100 115 135 150 175 205 230 255 280 350 385 435 500

WARNING! Installation of electrical wire can be hazardous, if done improperly, can result in personal injury or property damage. For safe wiring practices, consult the National Electrical Code and your local building inspector.

Cerro Wire Inc.

1099 Thompson Road, SE Hartselle, AL 35640 Phone 256.773.2522 Fax 256.773.5849 www.cerrowire.com