Reference tables

2023 NEC

Copper Conductor Ampacity Table

Allowable ampacity of copper conductors from 14 AWG to 750 kcmil at 60°C, 75°C, and 90°C insulation ratings.

Size60°C75°C90°COvercurrent cap
14 AWG15202515 A
12 AWG20253020 A
10 AWG30354030 A
8 AWG405055
6 AWG556575
4 AWG708595
3 AWG85100115
2 AWG95115130
1 AWG110130145
1/0 AWG125150170
2/0 AWG145175195
3/0 AWG165200225
4/0 AWG195230260
250 kcmil215255290
300 kcmil240285320
350 kcmil260310350
400 kcmil280335380
500 kcmil320380430
600 kcmil350420475
700 kcmil385460520
750 kcmil400475535
Allowable ampacity of insulated copper conductors rated up to 2000 V, with not more than three current-carrying conductors in a raceway, cable, or earth, based on an ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F). The final column is the separate small-conductor overcurrent ceiling, which applies regardless of the ampacity shown.

Source: NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Table 310.16; NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 240.4(D). Published by NFPA.NEC 2023

Reading this table

The three temperature columns are the conductor's insulation rating, not the ambient temperature. A 90°C-rated conductor is not permitted to run hotter than the equipment it terminates on allows — and most breakers and equipment are listed for 60°C or 75°C. In practice the 75°C column governs most installations, and the 90°C column is used as the starting point for derating rather than as a final ampacity.

The overcurrent cap column

The smallest conductors carry a fixed protection ceiling that is separate from ampacity. It exists because small conductors have little thermal mass and are easily damaged, and it applies regardless of what the temperature columns read. The cited section carries specific exceptions this table does not reproduce.

Before you use these numbers

Correct for ambient temperature and adjust for the number of current-carrying conductors before sizing anything — see the temperature correction and bundling adjustment tables, or let the ampacity lookup apply both.

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