What Gauge Wire for 30 AMP?

Nobody wants to burn his house by sudden electric shock. It happens many times that most of the reported house burnings due to short circuits. There is no fault with electricity, and no risk is attached with the electricity; the primary issue is our mistakes.

When a wire burns and cause electric burns are due to thinner or low-quality wires; the electrician does not choose the correct gauge of wire. It is essential to use the right size of wire to ensure a safe and protected electricity supply.

The most common question that we have seen on different platforms was what gauge wire for 30 amp? We researched and found the correct answer for you that we will explain with you, and we will also explain what can happen if you use the wrong gauge wire in the below content.

What is the correct gauge wire for 30 amp?

While we were searching for the correct size, we saw many charts from different experts and electric companies about the gauge of wire vs. amp. We will also present you a chart below content to teach you the general rule of thumb.

Ground wire, service entrance, circuit, breaker wire size chart rating
Feeder Rating	Aluminum conductor	Copper conductor
20 amp	#12 AWG	#12 AWG
30 amp	#10 AWG	#10 AWG
40 amp	#6 AWG	#8 AWG
50 amp	#4 AWG	#6 AWG
60 amp	#3 AWG	#4 AWG

 

In the above chart, all of the required Gauge wire for aluminum and copper conductors is given.

• You can use 12 gauge wires for a 20 amp feeder rating, no matter you are using an aluminum or copper conductor.
• For a 30 amp breaker, the right size for both aluminum and copper conductor is ten gauges.
• If you need to know about the 40 amp breaker, then 6 gauge is for the aluminum conductor, and 8 gauge is for the copper conductor.
• For the 50 amp breaker, 4 and 6 gauges are for aluminum and copper conductor, respectively.
• If you have a 60 amp breaker, you can use 3 gauge wires for the aluminum conductor and 4 gauges for the copper conductor.

What is the correct Gauge Wire for a 30 amp breaker?

You have seen the chart; no matter you are using aluminum or copper conductors for both conductors correct gauge of wire is 10 gauges. So, whatever the nature of your circuit, always try to use 10 gauge wires to ensure a proper and smooth electricity supply with excellent security.

Can we use 12 Gauge wire for 30 amps?

The general rule is that you should use the correct gauge wire for any of the conductors, but there is room to use higher gauge wires. You can use lower gauge wires for breakers but cannot use higher ones. You have seen the chart that 12 gauge wires can handle only 20 amps, but they cannot take 30 amps.

Can you use 8 Gauge Wire for 30 amps?

According to the general rule, an 8 Gauge wire can handle 40 amps, then why it cannot manage the 30 amp. So you can use 8 gauge wires for 30 amps.

What are the risks if you use the wrong Gauge wire for breakers?

When you are using the wrong gauge wire for breakers, then there are only two possibilities that you are using higher gauge wires or lower gauge wires. We will explain the risks and the losses of using smaller gauge wires and lower gauge wires.

What happens if you choose smaller gauge wires for a breaker?

People do not follow the general rule of thumb to use the correct gauge of wire, lower gauge wires are cheaper, so to save money, people use lower gauge wires, but we never recommend using lower gauge wires.

If you use lower gauge wires, there will be higher resistance, using more electricity. You may find them economical when buying, but they will expensive to your pocket in the long-run.

Risks with smaller gauge wires

Following are the risks of using smaller gauge wires, so it is hazardous to use smaller gauge wires. Maybe a slight difference in gauge could compromise, but you can face the following issues if you use too much smaller gauge wires.

Performance

No matter whatever you connected with a smaller gauge wire, it will not perform well as it can perform with a suitable gauge wire. It will negatively affect the performance, and it will not perform at peak level. The reason is that no proper current it will receive to perform at a high level.

Can cause wire melting

If you use the smaller gauge, it can handle a smaller amount of current. There is also a higher rate of resistance to flow current that causes wastage of electricity. Due to higher resistance, wires become hot, and there is more chance that wires will melt. Due to high-temperature wires will melt or can cause stoppage of electric supply.

Damage electric appliances

Smaller gauge wires not only affect the performance of electric appliances.

It can also cause burning and damage to electric devices. Improper electric supply can cause electric appliances to burn.

Can cause fire

One of the worst things that we never want is the fire in our home. It often happens when a person uses improper gauge wires; it can cause fire due to a short circuit. You need to follow safety measures; never use smaller gauge wires; it can cause fire and burn your valuable things.

What happens if you choose the higher Gauge wires for a breaker?

If you use the larger gauge wires for your breaker, it will become a costly project for you. You will only spend a lot of money which is only wasted. It will not affect the wires and circuits’ performance, but it is a loss of money. So never use higher gauge wires because it is only a burden on your pocket.

Final Thoughts

It is a practice that people use different gauge wires for the same circuit. You can use higher gauge wires with breakers, but it is not a safe choice. But using smaller gauge wires is too risky than higher gauge wires. If you have 30 amp breakers, then ten gauges are the right choice for 30 amps.