What is the allowed ampacity for a #12 AWG copper wire in a residential application?

In residential applications, a #12 AWG copper wire has an allowed ampacity of 20 amps. Ampacity refers to the maximum amount of electric current that a conductor or wire can safely carry without overheating. For copper wire, #12 AWG is typically rated for 20 amps when used under normal conditions, such as in typical residential wiring environments with the appropriate insulation type.

This ampacity rating is significant for ensuring safety in electrical installations, as exceeding it can lead to wire overheating, which poses a fire hazard. For circuits that are required to draw higher current loads, larger gauge wires would need to be used to safely carry the necessary current.

In contrast, smaller gauge wires (larger AWG numbers) would have lower ampacity ratings, while significantly larger wire gauges would have higher ampacity ratings. Understanding these ratings is essential for any electrician to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code and to maintain electrical safety in residential settings.