Ampacity by temperature rating
| Temperature rating | Ampacity | Typical insulation |
|---|---|---|
| 60°C | 55 A | — |
| 75°C | 65 A | THW |
| 90°C | 75 A | THHN / THWN-2, XHHW-2 |
Reference tables · Copper ampacity
2023 NEC · Table 310.16
6 AWG copper wire ampacity
At a 75°C termination rating, 6 AWG copper carries 65 A under the published table's basis conditions — 30°C ambient, no more than three current-carrying conductors.
What 6 AWG copper is used for
6 AWG copper carries 65 A at 75°C. In copper it is the usual conductor for 50 A and 60 A circuits — electric ranges, larger EV chargers, and small subpanels — and pairs with a 60 A overcurrent device.
Terminations usually decide the practical answer. Breakers and equipment are typically listed for 60°C or 75°C, so even 90°C-rated insulation on this conductor is normally limited to the 65 A column at the terminals. Check the equipment's listing rather than assuming.
Derating
Ampacity in real conditions
| Ambient | 3 conductors | 4 conductors | 7 conductors | 10 conductors | 21 conductors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20°C | 72.2 A | 57.7 A | 50.5 A | 36.1 A | 32.5 A |
| 30°C | 65 A | 52 A | 45.5 A | 32.5 A | 29.3 A |
| 40°C | 57.2 A | 45.8 A | 40 A | 28.6 A | 25.7 A |
| 50°C | 48.8 A | 39 A | 34.1 A | 24.4 A | 21.9 A |
Properties
| Circular mils | 26,240 |
|---|---|
| DC resistance | 0.491 Ω per 1000 ft |
| Ampacity at 75°C | 65 A |
| Overcurrent ceiling | Set by ampacity |
| Largest standard breaker | 60 A |
| Area, THHN / THWN-2 | 0.0507 in² |
| Area, XHHW-2 | 0.059 in² |
| Area, THW | 0.0726 in² |
Voltage drop over distance
Single-phase 240 V, carrying 65 A on 6 AWG copper.
| One-way distance | Drop | Within 3%? |
|---|---|---|
| 25 ft | 0.67% | Yes |
| 50 ft | 1.33% | Yes |
| 100 ft | 2.66% | Yes |
| 150 ft | 3.99% | No |
| 200 ft | 5.33% | No |
| 300 ft | 7.99% | No |
Source: NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Table 310.16; NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Table 310.15(B)(1)(1); NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Table 310.15(C)(1); NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Chapter 9, Table 8. Published by NFPA.NEC 2023
Related