Wire Size For 50 Amps (Chart, Wire Gauge Picking Tips & FAQs)

Last Updated on January 24, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

You will need wire gauge 6 if you have a maximum load of 50 amps. Most often, 50 amp breakers are used to power a variety of appliances. Despite this, a kitchen oven alone can consume 50 amps. Many electric dryers need 50 amp breakers as well.

Key Takeaways

• The wire gauge refers to the thickness of the wire and a 6-gauge wire will be able to deal with a maximum of 50 amps
• You should consider the ampacity and manufacturer’s specifications while choosing wire gauge
• You should keep in mind that the ampacity ratings also depend on the wire type like copper, aluminum, etc.
• You must check the length and thickness or gauge of the wire before choosing a particular option

Cable Size According To Amperage – Chart

The challenge with choosing the right wire size for a 50 amp circuit is the math. The chart below shows you an equation that can help you get “ideal” wire sizes.

Wire Size	Maximum Amps
18	7
16	10
14	15
12	20
10	30
8	40
6	55
4	70
2	95

What Wire Gauge Do You Need?

Different sizes of electrical cables are often used for different purposes. When a particular cable is required, it is necessary to consider the maximum amperage that each cable size can withstand. Five questions can be answered to find the ideal wire size for each situation.

1. Exact Cable Size

Here, there are two very important aspects to consider to have a precise cable size. The length and thickness or gauge of the wire need to be checked before choosing a particular option. The amount of amperes the cable has to deal with is one of the data to consider to choose the ideal cable.

Along with that, the distance the cable must travel is also important to supplement the information. Due to resistance or heat, the voltage may be lost as the cable length. To avoid voltage drop with cables that are too long it may be necessary to increase the gauge of a cable.

Here, the amperage capacity increases avoiding the consequences of voltage loss. When it comes to losing some electricity current along the way pumping a larger amount of amperage may be the solution. While here it is necessary not to overdo it, the truth is that this is one of the most used techniques by any electrician.

2. Cable Flexibility

Of course, it is not only important to consider the length and amperes that each cable has to deal with. There are different flexibilities for the wires that electricians use. Each of these types of cables can be more or less efficient in different situations. So, learning the characteristics of each of these options is the best way to choose the ideal option.

a) Finely stranded wire: This wire does not hold its shape so it is not a highly recommended option in some situations. Professional electricians often incorporate this wire when it comes to obtaining a high level of flexibility. Here, flexibility can be a great advantage or a problem depending on the situation.

b) Thick-Stranded Wire: Professional electricians can incorporate the desired shape in this type of wire. In particular, this type of wire can keep its shape for a while. So, this will suffice for many places or spaces where moderate flexibility is needed.

c) Solid Core Wire: When it comes to smaller gauge wires the flexibility is almost non-existent. Some levels of bounded flexibility can even be obtained in heavier gauge wires. However, this type of option is mostly used because of its stiffness. 

3. Type Of Insulation

Insulation is important considering each of the environments in which one of these cables can be used. Considering the specific working environment the types of insulation for a cable are as follows.

a) Environmental Factors: Important factors include the presence of oils or chemicals, extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and UV rays. Cables that do not consider all these factors can deteriorate too quickly.

b) Voltage Level: As mentioned above, as a cable gets longer the voltage loss also increases. So, the old voltage discharge can be decreased with thick and adequate insulation. 

c) Regulatory Factors: Among the most common regulatory factors and quality standards we can mention CE, SAE, SA, and UL, among others.

d) Abrasion Protection: In some locations and environments thick insulation may be required depending on some factors. These factors may be due to a high level of vibration. This situation can be quite common in many industries and factories.

e) Special Coatings: A special coating can be incorporated to be able to push or pull a cable in certain ducts or pipes. In particular, this makes it easier to deploy a cable in places without easy access. 

4. Color Of A Cable

People may notice that different electrical cables may incorporate different colors. Different electrical wires and the colors implemented usually make any maintenance and repair procedure easier. This is not only useful for an end-user but also for any type of electrician.

So, neutral wires, ground wires, hot wires, and other types of wires usually have their color. So this is a standardization that many companies usually consider in the manufacture of their cables. Considering the color of a cable depending on the specific use is important in all kinds of situations.

To be able to choose the specific cable color in each situation, the opinion of a specialist may be advisable. Professional electricians know exactly the color needed for each specific application. By considering the color in an electrical cable people ensure that all kinds of maintenance and repairs can be carried out without any side effects. 

5. Materials Of A Cable

Electrical cables are manufactured with different materials that allow for optimizing or reducing functionality. One of the most expensive and heavy options is copper cables. The advantage here is that it is a material that is one of the best conductors of electricity.

When it comes to long-distance and high-voltage electrical applications, experts recommend cables that are made of aluminum. On many occasions, an aluminum cable is much more efficient with a thicker gauge. Compared to copper cables these options are usually much less expensive and lighter in weight.

Most of the time a city’s power lines are manufactured with aluminum cables. This provides better functionality and lowers overall costs. Both aluminum and copper are the two most commonly used materials in general. However, there may be some other cables that are made of specific materials.

FAQs

Can 8 gauge wire handle 50 amps?

The 8 gauge wire is an extremely popular option for many electrical products. The 8 gauge wire can handle a high amount of current, which makes it perfect for electricians and other technicians who need to troubleshoot problems with electric appliances.

The 8-gauge wire comes in different sizes: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1/2 inches. The size of the wires used depends on the voltage that is sent through them to make sure that the wires are not damaged by lightning strikes or lightning strikes.

The difference between a 22 AWG and a 22 AWG4 wire is 0.05 mm (0.002″) and can vary from 0 to 220 VAC depending on where the device is plugged into a supply as thick as 220 mm (8″).

Can 10 AWG handle 50 amps?

A 10 AWG fuse is not capable of handling 50 amps current. For safety purposes, it is better to use a 100 AWG or higher-rated fuse.

The reason for this is that the resistance at which the electricity flows through the wire and metal casing depends on both the load and on the temperature of that wire.

By using a larger amount of copper, we are able to increase our fuse’s capacity without increasing its weight or size.

Will 6 gauge wire carry 50 amps?

We have shown (above in the table) that, 6 gauge wire can carry enough amps to power an average home.

Does 8 3 wire have a ground?

8 3 wire has a ground. You can use it to power your mobile phone or any other device without having to worry about the voltage supplied to them.

References:

https://learnmetrics.com/50-amp-wire-size/

https://www.hunker.com/12446998/what-wire-size-is-required-for-50-amp-service