Whether you’re looking for the ampacity for AWG wire 6 through 26, you can find it in the section below. All the corresponding numbers refer to the gauge.
0 (1/0)
There is a general rule of thumb when choosing an AWG wire. You need one that can handle your amp requirements. It can handle any amount of amperes below its maximum capacity.
The maximum amperes it can handle for the 0 (1/0) gauge is 150 amps. It means it can handle any amount of amps as long as it is below its maximum capacity. Typically, you can use it as a cable for your car audio.
2/0
You can use a 2/0-gauge copper wire for a maximum of 190 amperes. It can handle anything below its maximum capacity without any issues. If you own a sailboat that operates with a battery, you can replace any wire connecting to the battery.
3/0
A 3/0-gauge supports a maximum amperage capacity of 239 amps and can handle anything below its maximum capacity. A 3/0 is perfect for a portable solar setup, allowing you to get the most amps.
1
If you have a 1-gauge product, it supports a maximum of 119 amps. Any device that needs 119 amps of current or below will work fine with this type of product.
2
A 2-gauge wire supports a maximum capacity of 94 amps, which means it will work fine for any device that needs less. It is good to use this for relocating your car battery. You can also use it to install amplifiers and high-powered car subwoofers in your vehicle.
TEMCo
Here’s a 2-gauge wire and the best place to get it.
| Name | TEMCo INDUSTRIAL |
| Conductor stranding: | 364/31 |
| Gauge | 2 |
| Length | 25′ |
| Material | Copper |
| Max amps | 205 |
| Nominal OD | 0.331″ |
| Number of units | 2 |
Pros
- We like that TEMCo’s product is US-made.
- TEMCo is a great manufacturer.
- The conductive material is copper.
Cons
- We wish it was longer than 25′.
- In fact, you can buy wire longer than 25′, but it’s hard to find in the listing.
- Some people received a shorter length than they ordered.
[amazon box=”B00LIB7O68″ title=”TEMCo Industrial ” description=”We love that it comes from the US.”]
3
You can use a 3 gauge for a maximum of 75 amps. It can also support any device below 75 amperes. It is good to use this in your main panel or subpanel at home. Be sure your electrical system at home has a ground wire. Hence, excess electrical charges have a safe place to travel in case.
4
A 4-gauge wire is otherwise known as the 4 AWG. It supports a maximum amperage capacity of 60. This has a wide range of applications. You can use it for your audio devices, such as a subwoofer or amplifier. It’s also great for off-grid systems, such as solar panel systems or welding applications.
| Name | TEMCo INDUSTRIAL |
| Conductor stranding: | 364/31 |
| Gauge | 4 |
| Length | 25′ |
| Material | Copper |
| Nominal OD | 0.331″ |
| Number of units | 2 |
Pros
- We’re always happy with wire from TEMCo.
- The price is not unreasonable.
- Our delivery was received well.
Cons
- There were no markings on the wire we received.
- Again, some say they received less product than they ordered.
- The same cons apply as to the product above.
[amazon box=”B00LIB7YTU” title=”TEMCo Industrial ” description=”Here’s another product from TEMCo.”]
6
If you have a 6-gauge wire, it can support a maximum of 37 amperes. It can also support any device that needs less than 37 amps. It is good to use with almost anything that involves automotive.
If you plan to use this in an automotive, be sure to consider motor vibration. Over time, it could cause it to break. Be sure to provide enough isolation and strain relief.
8
An 8-gauge, also called 8 AWG wire, supports a maximum amperage capacity of up to 24 amps. This is good to use with some of the following:
- batteries
- lamps
- household appliances
- meters
- model cars
- planes
- and electric heating appliances.
Pros
- It’s easy to see what product you’re receiving, and you’re not being deceived.
- It’s great automotive wiring.
- It came in a timely manner.
Cons
- You can’t get anything longer than 50′ from this seller.
- It’s copper-clad aluminum.
[amazon box=”B0799K5ZBM” title=”GS Power” description=”Get your 8 AWG needs taken care of.”]
9
If you have a 9 gauge, it can support a maximum of 19 amperes. It is ideal to use this for a 4-channel amplifier for speaker installation.
It can be used for a:
- RV air conditioner
- Washer
- Dryer
10
A 10 gauge can support a maximum of 15 amps. This is useful for a range of household appliances. It can also be used for electric heating appliances and lamps.
It is enough to power:
- A water heater
- A furnace fan
- A space heater
- A microwave oven
12
If you have a 12-gauge, it can support a maximum amperage capacity of 9.3 amps. You can usually use this in connecting an amplifier with a subwoofer. Certain things like lawnmowers and leaf blowers may also use this type, assuming they are corded rather than using gas.
It’s enough to power a:
- crock-pot
- Furnace fan
- Food processor
14
A 14-gauge supports a maximum ampacity of 5.9 amps. It also supports anything below 5.9 amps. It is good to use it for your car audio system or home theater system.
16
A 16-gauge supports a maximum of 3.7 amperes and can handle any device below it. Typically, you can find this amount of current in aluminum batteries or RC batteries. It’s also what is used in LED lighting.
18
You can use an 18-gauge wire with any device that needs 2.3 amperes or less.
Uses:
- Oscillating fan
- Light bulb
- Crock-pot
- Curling iron
20
A 20-gauge supports a maximum ampacity of 1.5 amps, which means it can handle any device that requires less than 1.5 amps. You can widely use this in RC batteries or LED lighting.
22
A 22-gauge can handle a maximum of 0.92 amps. It is good to use it in RC and LED lighting.
24
If you have a 24-gauge, it can handle a maximum of 0.577 amps.
26
A 26-gauge can handle a maximum of 0.361 amps. In most cases, you can use this for gate openers. However, be sure to check the current requirements before getting one.
28
A 28-gauge can handle a maximum ampacity of 0.226 amps, which means it can handle any device with a smaller amps requirement. This is good to use with aluminum batteries and LED lighting at home.
Make sure also to check out this post that has the NEC table. We also have various articles on ThermoKing fault codes and welding joints.
We have written extensively on the topic of electrical safety because it is potentially something that could harm your family. You may be standing at Home Depot thinking, wanting to buy the cheapest option available.
You should know that it may not be the best decision. On top of that, using an extension cord that’s not rated for your intended use could void the warranty of your expensive tools!
Uses:
- Jewelry
