Wire Size & Amp Ratings
Table of Contents
What is the ampacity of 14 AWG?
Wire Size & Amp Ratings
| Copper | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wire Gauge Size | 60°C (140°F) NM-B, UF-B | 90°C (194°F) THWN-2, THHN, XHHW-2, USE-2 |
| 14 | 15 | 25 |
| 12 | 20 | 30 |
| 10 | 30 | 40 |
What is the ampacity of 14 2 nm?
NM-B is rated at 600 volts and although it is rated at a conductor temperature of 90°C dry , its ampacity is limited to 60°C according to the NEC 2008 and NEC 2011….14/2 NM-B Cable Specifications*:
| Cable Type | NM-B |
|---|---|
| Wire Size | 14 AWG |
| # of Conductors | 2 Conductors w/ Ground |
| Conductor Material | Bare Copper |
| Ampacity | 15 |
What is XHHW wire rated for?
XHHW-2 is rated up to 90° C in both wet and dry environments. THHN is rated up to 90° C in dry environments only. Dual-rated THHN/THWN carries a 75° C wet-environment rating. The 0.004” nylon jacket on the THHN is hydroscopic (that is, it absorbs moisture), which prohibits its use in wet locations at any temperature.
What is XHHW-2 wire used for?
Often used as building wire XHHW-2 can be used in power circuits run in conduit from the utility meter to main circuit protection panels. It can also be used in conduit from circuit protection panels to uses throughout a building. Some other uses are machine tool wiring, appliance and control circuits.
How many amps can a 14 2 wire handle?
14/2 wire can safely be used on circuits with an amperage up to 15 amps. It is dangerous and illegal to use 14/2 wire on a 20-amp circuit. Choosing the correct wire gauge based on your circuit amperage is essential to safe wiring. 15 amps is the maximum amperage 14/2 wire can safely conduct.
What is the difference between XHHW and XHHW-2?
THHN/THWN-2 is a thermoplastic product, while XHHW-2 features thermoset insulation….HOW TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
| THHN/THWN-2: | XHHW-2: |
|---|---|
| T = Thermoplastic | X = Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) |
| HH = High Heat Resistant | HH = High Heat Resistant |
| W = Water Resistant | W = Water Resistant |
| N = Nylon Jacket | (Not Required) |
Can XHHW-2 be direct buried?
As XHHW -2: direct burial, 90°C conductor Temperature and 30°C ambient in wet locations.
Is XHHW better than Thhn?
Even though its jacket is thicker and more protective, XHHW is also more flexible than THHN wire. The XLPE insulation of the XHHW allows the cable to bend and flex better than the THHN’s PVC insulation—so XHHW is much easier to work with during the installation process.
Can 14 2 be used for outlets?
You can use 14-2 wire to 12 outlets that are protected by a 15 Amp breaker. If you use 12-2 you can use a t-rated 20 Amp receptacle, but in my code you only see those in kitchens.
Can 14 gauge handle 20 amps?
14 AWG can’t be used on a circuit with a 20A breaker. The screw terminals are the better choice if you want to put 15 Amp receptacle on a 20 Amp circuit with 12 gauge wire. You can use the side terminals.