You must use the correct size wire for the current load requirement of the circuit to prevent the wire from overheating.
Electrical wire amperage rating.
The proper circuit size as indicated by amperage is determined by several factors including the planned load on the circuit the number of outlets or light fixtures and the length of the circuit.
When a cord has three current carrying conductors there is a decrease in amperage.
Table of common electrical wire sizes and amps or fuse ratings residential sec cable other wire ampacities for 1 3 current carrying conductors in cable earth or raceway for 120 240 volt systems sized between 100 and 400 amperes.
Nfpa 70 national electrical code table 310 15 b 16 size 60 c 140 f 75 c 167 f 90 c 194 f 60 c 140 f 75 c 167 f 90 c 194 f size.
The tables below are intended to be a general guide for wire size and amp ratings.
60 c 140 f 75 c 167 f awg mm copper.
Usually a general purpose house circuit is designed for 20.
The amperage rating of a cord is a function of the wire gauge number of current carrying conductors and length of the cord.
The number and type of electrical devices connected to a circuit determine the ampacity requirement of the conductor.
Likewise when the length of the cord exceeds fifty feet there is a decrease in amperage.
Awg or kcmil types tw uf types rhw thw thwn.
Wire size chart and maximum amp ratings.
Ampacity rating copper wire conductors.