What Size Wire for a 15 Amp Circuit Breaker? (NEC Table 310.16)
Complete Copper vs. Aluminum AWG wire size, continuous load limit (12A max), ground wire gauge, and conduit sizing for 15A circuits (Lighting circuits, bedroom outlets & general 15A branch circuits).
Direct NEC Table 310.16 Answer for 15 Amps
Common Applications for a 15A Circuit
Lighting circuits, bedroom outlets & general 15A branch circuits. Remember that under the NEC 125% continuous-load rule (NEC 210.19 & 210.20), a standard 15A breaker can only supply up to 12A of continuous load (any load that runs for 3 hours or more without stopping, such as an EV charger or commercial lighting).
When to Upsize for Voltage Drop (Over 100 Feet)
If your one-way wire run exceeds 100 feet at 240V (or 50 feet at 120V), step up one wire gauge from 14 AWG to keep total line voltage drop under the NEC 3% branch-circuit recommendation. Use our Voltage Drop Calculator to check your exact footage.