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NEC-Electrician: Conductor Ampacity Basics - Wire Size vs Current
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Ampacity is the maximum current a conductor can carry continuously without exceeding its temperature rating. Ampacity depends on conductor size (AWG/kcmil), insulation temperature rating (60°C, 75°C, 90°C), ambient temperature, and number of current-carrying conductors per NEC tables (e.g., Table 310.16).

Worked example:
A #12 AWG copper THHN (90°C) conductor is typically rated 30A in the 90°C column, but if termination is rated 60°C, allowable ampacity is limited to 20A (per 60°C column for #12).
 

NEC-Electrician: Conductor Ampacity Basics - Wire Size vs Current
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8 Questions

1. Termination temperature rating can:
2. Ampacity primarily refers to:
3. #12 AWG copper conductor in 60°C column is generally rated:
4. THHN insulation is commonly rated for:
5. Increasing ambient temperature generally:
6. If more than three current-carrying conductors are in a raceway, ampacity must:
7. Continuous load is defined as one expected to run for:
8. A 10 AWG copper conductor at 60°C is typically rated: