| AWG/kcmil | Ampacity (75°C) | Typical Use | Max distance for 15A @ 120V (<3% drop) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 14 | 20A | Lighting, general outlets | 30 ft | | 12 | 25A | Kitchen outlets, 20A circuits | 40 ft | | 10 | 35A | Water heaters, AC units | 65 ft | | 8 | 50A | Small subpanels, ranges | 80 ft | | 6 | 65A | EV chargers, large ovens | 100 ft | | 4 | 85A | Subpanels, feeders | 130 ft | | 2 | 115A | Main feeders, heat pumps | N/A (requires calc) |
In the modern world, electricity flows like blood through a circulatory system. But unlike veins and arteries, which are fixed in size, the copper cables in our buildings, factories, and renewable energy systems are designed by human choice. And that choice—choosing the right thickness of copper—is far more nuanced than "the thicker, the better." copper cable sizing
Next time you strip a piece of 10 AWG, remember: That 2.6mm diameter of copper is a precisely calculated lifeline. Treat its size with respect. | AWG/kcmil | Ampacity (75°C) | Typical Use
The best electricians don't just read ampacity tables; they understand why the table says what it does. They account for the heat, the distance, and the neighbors in the conduit. Treat its size with respect
