Reference tables

2023 NEC

Standard Overcurrent Device Ratings

The standard ampere ratings for fuses and inverse-time circuit breakers, from 15 A to 6000 A.

Standard ratingMinimum copper at 75°CMinimum aluminum at 75°CPage
15 A14 AWG12 AWGDetails
20 A12 AWG10 AWGDetails
25 A10 AWG10 AWGDetails
30 A10 AWG8 AWGDetails
35 A8 AWG8 AWGDetails
40 A8 AWG8 AWGDetails
45 A8 AWG6 AWGDetails
50 A8 AWG6 AWGDetails
60 A6 AWG4 AWGDetails
70 A4 AWG3 AWGDetails
80 A4 AWG2 AWGDetails
90 A3 AWG2 AWGDetails
100 A3 AWG1 AWGDetails
110 A2 AWG1/0 AWGDetails
125 A1 AWG2/0 AWGDetails
150 A1/0 AWG3/0 AWGDetails
175 A2/0 AWG4/0 AWGDetails
200 A3/0 AWG250 kcmilDetails
225 A4/0 AWG300 kcmilDetails
250 A250 kcmil350 kcmilDetails
300 A350 kcmil500 kcmilDetails
350 A500 kcmil700 kcmilDetails
400 A600 kcmilDetails
Standard ampere ratings for fuses and inverse-time circuit breakers, with the smallest conductor whose published ampacity — capped by the small-conductor rule — reaches each rating at basis conditions. Ratings continue above 400 A to 6000 A; conductors that large are normally paralleled sets.

Source: NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 240.6(A). Published by NFPA.NEC 2023

Why the list has gaps

There is no standard 55 A or 65 A breaker. The list is a fixed set of manufactured ratings, and the gaps widen as the numbers grow — 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, then a jump to 60. Where a calculated load falls between two, the general rule is to round up to the next standard rating, subject to conditions and exceptions that depend on the circuit type.

Sizing direction

A common misunderstanding is that the breaker protects the equipment. It protects the conductor. The breaker rating must not exceed what the conductor can safely carry — which is why the conductor is sized first and the overcurrent device follows, not the other way round.

The full list continues to 6000 A: 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 A.

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