Current Rating of a Circuit

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Current rating of a circuit is defined by the lowest current rating of wires and circuit breakers on that circuit.

Wire Gauge and Current Rating

NM wire gauges range from 14 AWG to 6 AWG. The following show the most common wire gauges:
14 AWG for lighting circuits and rated for 15 amps.
12 AWG for outlets and rated for 20 amps.
10 AWG for dryers and electric ranges, and rated for 30 amps.
8 AWG for air conditioning and heat pumps and rated for 40 amps.
The chart to the right shows the proper circuit breaker to be used for the wire gauge in a circuit.

15 Amp Circuit Rating

When a circuit is rated for 15 amps, the wires and circuit breakers must be rated for at least 15 amps. The circuit is rated for the lowest current rating of wire or circuit breaker. For example, if the wire is rated for 15 amps, the circuit should not have a 20 amp breaker even if the breaker trips frequently.

20 Amp Circuit Rating

When a circuit is rated for 20 amps, the wires and circuit breakers must be rated for at least 20 amps. It is important that a 20 amp (or higher) circuit breaker NOT be used on a circuit with a wire rated for 15 amps or less.

Cable Ripper

Commercial Electric cable ripper

A cable ripper is used to slit cable sheathing without damaging the wires inside the sheath.

This ripper from Commercial Electric has wire gauging holes to help determine wire gauge. The wire gauging holes include 14, 12, 10, 8, or 6 gauge solid wire.