The most common sizes youll find in residential work are 14-gauge and 12-gauge. Larger appliances such as electric stoves, electric water heaters, electric dryers and central air units will often use 10-, 8- or even 6-gauge wire. If youre adding an outlet, you need to use wire the same gauge as the existing wiring.

Can I use 14-gauge wire 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.

What size wire do you use for electrical outlets?

Most household outlet circuits are either 15-amp or 20-amp 120-volt circuits. A circuit controlled by a 15-amp circuit breaker calls for 14-gauge NM cable and a receptacle rated for 15 amps. A circuit powered by a 20-amp circuit breaker calls for 20-amp receptacles, and it is wired with 12-gauge NM cable.

What gauge wire is needed for a 20 amp circuit?

12-gauge A 20-amp circuit, protected by a 20-amp breaker or fuse, must be served by 12-gauge or 10-gauge wire.

What gauge wire is used with a 20 amp breaker?

12-gauge A 20-amp circuit, protected by a 20-amp breaker or fuse, must be served by 12-gauge or 10-gauge wire.

Can you use a 10 gauge wire on a 20 amp breaker?

2 Answers. Yes, you can use 10 AWG copper conductors with a 20 ampere breaker. The smallest size conductors you could use with a 20 ampere breaker, are 12 AWG copper conductors. Theres no problem using larger conductors, other than cost to you, and difficulties associated with working with thicker conductors.

What can 10 2 wire be used for?

The following NEC regulations apply to Romex conductors:Wire Gauge or TypeRated AmperageCommon Uses10-2 Romex30 AElectric water heater, baseboard heaters10-3 Romex30 AElectric Clothes Dryer6/3 Cu Range Cable50 ARange, Heatpump, On-Demand Electric Water heater2 Gauge Copper100 ACentral Electric Heat4 more rows

Can you use 14 gauge wire with a 20 amp breaker?

14 AWG must be protected at 15A, according to NEC 240.4(D)(3). 14 AWG cant be used on a circuit with a 20A breaker.