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20 amp breaker, wire gauging

Asked Jun 16, 2007, 03:14 PM — 4 Answers
What gauge of wire do I need to run off a 20 amp breaker?

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4 Answers
tkrussell's Avatar
tkrussell Posts: 9,673, Reputation: 3698
Senior Electrical & Lighting Expert
  
#2

Jun 16, 2007, 04:18 PM


#12
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keith_jones's Avatar
keith_jones Posts: 10, Reputation: 1
New Member
  
#3

Jun 16, 2007, 04:21 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by tkrussell
#12
Is there a way to find out gauge of wire to amps, or is it something I should just learn to know it? I was just curious on how you find this out or if it's something you just remember. I have little experience in this area.
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tkrussell's Avatar
tkrussell Posts: 9,673, Reputation: 3698
Senior Electrical & Lighting Expert
  
#4

Jun 16, 2007, 04:26 PM


I use Table 310.16 of the National Electric Code. A link can be found in the Sticky Note "Read This First" of the Electrical Forum, along with instructions on exactly how to get to it.
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Stratmando's Avatar
Stratmando Posts: 10,417, Reputation: 2515
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#5

Jun 16, 2007, 04:30 PM
Breakers need to be weaker than the wire.
You can use larger wire to reduce voltage drop.
#10 30 Amps
#12 20 Amps
#14 15 Amps
The Info provided by TK shows the rest.
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