14 gauge wire at a glance
| Diameter (bare copper) | 0.0641 in (1.63 mm) |
|---|---|
| Cross-section area | 2.08 mm² (4,110 circular mils) |
| Copper ampacity, 60°C / 75°C / 90°C | 15 / 20 / 25 A |
| Maximum breaker (copper) | 15 A |
| Aluminum | Not used |
14 AWG copper is limited to 15 A, 12 AWG to 20 A and 10 AWG to 30 A, and 12 and 10 AWG aluminum to 15 A and 25 A, by the overcurrent rules in NEC 240.4(D), even where the ampacity table lists more.
How far can 14 gauge wire run?
Current is only half the story. The wire loses voltage over distance, and the NEC recommends staying within 3%. This table gives the longest one-way run of 14 AWG copper within 3% drop, by current and voltage.
| Current | 12 V DC | 24 V DC | 120 V AC | 240 V AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 A | 11 ft | 23 ft | 115 ft | 229 ft |
| 10 A | 5.7 ft | 11 ft | 57 ft | 115 ft |
| 15 A | 3.8 ft | 7.6 ft | 38 ft | 76 ft |
Use the voltage drop calculator for another size, current or limit. For 12 V runs by size, see the 12V wire gauge chart.
What 14 gauge wire is used for
- Lighting circuits and smoke alarm circuits
- 15 A general receptacle circuits where the code allows
- Fixture whips and short appliance connections up to 15 A
Cable type and the rules
14/2 NM-B (Romex) is the standard cable for 15 A lighting circuits. It cannot be used on a 20 A circuit. If the circuit has a 20 A breaker, every wire on it must be 12 AWG.
Neighboring sizes
| Gauge | Diameter | Copper amps (75°C, with NEC 240.4(D) limits) |
|---|---|---|
| 14 AWG | 0.0641 in | 15 A |
| 12 AWG | 0.0808 in | 20 A |
The wire gauge chart covers every size, and the amps per wire size table lists them in all three temperature columns.
Frequently asked questions
How many amps can 14 gauge wire handle?
15 amps. The 75°C column shows 20 A, but NEC 240.4(D) limits 14 AWG copper to a 15 A breaker.
Can I use 14 gauge wire for a 20 amp circuit?
No. Use 12 AWG for a 20 amp circuit.
How far can 14 gauge wire run at 120 volts?
About 38 feet one way at the full 15 A within 3% voltage drop, and much farther at lower current. At 7.5 A it is about 76 feet.
Is 14 gauge wire OK for 12 volt DC?
Only for short runs or low current. At 12 V and 10 A the limit is about 6 feet one way for 3% drop, since DC at low voltage loses a large share of the voltage.