What is the recommended wire gauge for a 20-amp circuit?

For a 20-amp circuit, the recommended wire gauge is 12-gauge wire. This is because the National Electrical Code (NEC) suggests that a 12-gauge wire can safely handle electrical loads up to 20 amps without overheating or posing a risk of fire.

Using the appropriate wire gauge is crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of the electrical circuit. A smaller gauge wire, such as 14-gauge, would not be suitable for a 20-amp load as it is designed for circuits that carry a maximum of 15 amps. Similarly, with a larger gauge like 10-gauge, while it could handle the load, it is typically used for circuits that require a heavier load, which is not necessary in this case. Lastly, 16-gauge wire is too thin for a 20-amp circuit, making it unsafe to use as it would easily overload.

Selecting the right gauge wire is essential to prevent voltage drop and ensuring that the circuit operates safely within its designed parameters.