What gauge wire is used to carry 120 volts?

Answer 1

You need 14-gauge wire for 15-amp circuits, and 12-gauge wire for 20-amp circuits.

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The question is confusing the ability of a wire to carry current, with the insulation factor of the wire. Any size wire can carry 120 volts. The insulation factor determines how much voltage can be applied to a wire. Standard wire voltages come in three voltages, 300, 600 and 1000 volt ratings. These ratings are up to and including, so 300 volt insulation wire will handle 120, 208, 240, and 277 volts. 600 volt insulation will handle all of the 300 volt range plus 347,415, 480 and 575 volts. 1000 volt insulation will handle all of the 300 and 600 volt ranges plus different voltages up to 1000 volts.

Answer 2

if it's a 120 volt circuit then #14 is good, most people will run #12, but #14 is the lowest you can go by code.

Another AnswerACTUALLY...

you need to make certain that a circuit is protected with the proper circuit breaker.

If you'll be using 12 AWG wire you should connect it to a 20 Amp breaker.

If you'll be using 14 AWG wire you should connect it to a 15 Amp breaker.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS make certain that you don't use a breaker that's too large for the wire. If a breaker can push too much current through the wire you run a great risk of causing a fire.

It's all about the amps, not the volts.

I made the mistake of not mentioning amperage. Serves me right for answering questions at 3am.... Do what the person above me is saying.

Answer 3

Amps= watts divided by voltage so: 2000/120= 16 amps.

For small distances a 12 guage extension cord can be used.

For greater distances > 100ft drop a guage to 10 guage wire.

Longer the wiring the bigger the wire needs to be.

Answer 4

The equation to find amperage is I = W/E. Amps = Watts/Volts.

For home wiring the smallest size wire usable is #14.

A #14 copper conductor with an insulation rating of 90 degrees C is rated at 15 amps.