What is the smallest wire size for which overcurrent protection is specified?

The smallest wire size for which overcurrent protection is specified is 14 AWG. This is primarily based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, which dictate the appropriate wire sizes and their associated circuit protection devices. The NEC requires that conductors in residential and commercial wiring have overcurrent protection to safeguard against excess current which can cause overheating and potential fire hazards.

For 14 AWG wire, the maximum rating for overcurrent protection is typically set at 15 amps. This means that a circuit using 14 AWG conductors must be protected by a 15-amp circuit breaker or fuse. This specification helps ensure that the wire is capable of handling the electrical load without exceeding its temperature rating, thus promoting safety in the electrical installation.

However, smaller wire sizes, such as 12 AWG or 10 AWG, are also used for specific applications but have different ratings for overcurrent protection, with 12 AWG typically rated for 20 amps and 10 AWG for 30 amps under NEC guidelines. The 16 AWG wire is generally classified for use in specialized applications and is not recommended for typical circuit wiring where overcurrent protection is needed. Therefore, 14 AWG is established as the smallest wire