Remember to always check the device specifications for the Required Amperage and Circuit Breaker size, then select your wire size.
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Home Electrical Wire and Components
Summary: Electrical wiring must be installed using methods that help you determine the right size and type for each application. Code compliance ensures the safety and integrity of your home wiring. This electrical wiring information will help guide you to the right decision.
Romex Electrical Wire
Wire Load Ampacities
GB Electrical Wiring Simplified Electrical Reference Book Technical Details
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The most common type of home electrical wire that is installed for general purpose electrical circuits is Romex, also known as Type NM or Non-Metallic sheathed cable made up of at least one pair of insulated wire conductors and one bare wire used for the ground conductor. The ground conductor is bonded throughout the home to maintain a contiguous grounded system which originates back at the Main Service Panel.
The installation of the Romex style home electrical wire is accomplished by drilling holes using approved methods which protects the wire and maintains structural integrity for the home. Methods are available to protect wiring which becomes vulnerable to damage which could occur during the installation of sheet rock or other wall coverings. This protection is provided by Safety Plates, as shown in the table below.
The insulated Romex wiring conductors are rated for temperature. This rating limits the current flow in amperage thereby preventing the wire from overheating and causing a fire. Using the properly sized wire will ensure safe circuit performance
This table shows the Amperage Rating for wire sizes:
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THHN - COPPER ELECTRICAL WIRE AMPERAGE # 14 15 # 12 20 # 10 30 # 8 40 # 6 60
Lets take a look at some common home electrical wire, components, and typical
uses.
Romex Wire |
Name & Amps |
Typical Use
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Receptacles and Lighting |
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Lighting - 3-Way Switches and Smoke Detectors |
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Receptacles |
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3-Wire Circuits - Kitchen / Garage |
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Water Heaters - Small A/C |
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Dryers 4-Wire Receptacle |
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Small Ovens |
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DESCRIPTION |
PURPOSE |
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Romex Staple Fasten cables to wood structure every 4-1/2' and within 8 " of boxes. |
7/16 - #14 Romex 9/16 - #12 & #10 Romex 1 - Inch for Larger Cables |
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Safety Plate |
Protect the wires in vulnerable areas [See How] |
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DESCRIPTION |
CAPACITY |
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Large Blue Wirenut |
#14 thru #6 AWG Min. 3 #12 Max. 2 #6 w/ 1 #12 |
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Large Gray Wirenut |
#18 to #6 AWG Min. 2 #12 Max. 6 #12 |
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Red Wirenut |
#18 thru #8 AWG Min. 2 #18 Max. 4 #10 |
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Yellow Wirenut |
#18 thru #10 AWG Min. 2 #18 Max. 3 #12 |
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Orange Wirenut |
#22 to #14 AWG Min. 1 #18 w/ 1 #20 Max. 4 #16 w/ 1 #20 |
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DESCRIPTION |
PURPOSE |
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Crimp Sleeve |
Joining two or three #14 or #12 bare ground wires to form a "tail" for bonding plugs & switches |
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Green Grounding Screw |
Bond the ground wire using tapped ground access #14 and #12 wires |
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Grounding Clip |
For older metal boxes without a ground screw access #14 and #12 wire |
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Ground Lug |
Bonding larger wires various sizes for wires |
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