6 gauge wire at a glance
| Diameter (bare copper) | 0.1620 in (4.12 mm) |
|---|---|
| Cross-section area | 13.30 mm² (26,240 circular mils) |
| Copper ampacity, 60°C / 75°C / 90°C | 55 / 65 / 75 A |
| Maximum breaker (copper) | 60 A |
| Aluminum ampacity, 60°C / 75°C / 90°C | 40 / 50 / 55 A |
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 6 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 6 AWG copper within 3% drop, by current and voltage.
| Current | 12 V DC | 24 V DC | 120 V AC | 240 V AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 A | 12 ft | 24 ft | 122 ft | 244 ft |
| 50 A | 7.3 ft | 15 ft | 73 ft | 146 ft |
| 60 A | 6.1 ft | 12 ft | 61 ft | 122 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 6 gauge wire is used for
- Electric ranges, via 6/3 NM-B cable on a 50 A breaker
- Sub panels of up to 60 A
- Hot tubs and EV chargers drawing up to 40 A continuous
- Grounding of a large service to a ground rod, as the maximum required size
Cable type and the rules
6/3 NM-B (Romex) carries 55 A in the 60°C column, which fits a 50 A breaker. THHN 6 AWG in conduit is rated 65 A at 75°C, so it also suits a 60 A breaker.
Neighboring sizes
| Gauge | Diameter | Copper amps (75°C, with NEC 240.4(D) limits) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 AWG | 0.1285 in | 50 A |
| 6 AWG | 0.1620 in | 65 A |
| 4 AWG | 0.2043 in | 85 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 6 gauge wire handle?
55 amps at 60°C, 65 amps at 75°C and 75 amps at 90°C for copper.
What size breaker for 6 gauge wire?
A 60 amp breaker with 75°C terminals, or 50 amps for NM-B cable.
How far can 6 gauge wire run?
About 146 feet at 50 A and 240 V within 3% drop.
What is the diameter of 6 gauge wire?
0.162 inches, or 4.11 mm, for the bare conductor.