The workhorse of residential wiring - required for 20-amp kitchen, bathroom, and garage circuits.
| Wire Gauge | 12 AWG |
| Diameter (inches) | 0.0808 in |
| Diameter (mm) | 2.053 mm |
| Cross-sectional Area | 3.31 mm² (6,530 circular mils) |
| Copper Resistance | 5.211 Ω/1000ft (17.09 Ω/km) @ 20°C |
| Copper Ampacity (60°C) | 20A |
| Copper Ampacity (75°C) | 25A |
| Copper Ampacity (90°C) | 30A |
| Max Circuit Breaker | 20A (per NEC) |
Required for kitchen small appliance circuits serving countertop outlets. NEC mandates minimum two 20A circuits.
Required for bathroom outlets. Each bathroom needs at least one 20A circuit for hair dryers and other appliances.
Garage and workshop outlets require 20A circuits to handle power tools and equipment.
Laundry room outlets for washing machines require dedicated 20A circuits with 12 AWG wire.
Outdoor receptacles for lawn equipment, holiday lights, and general outdoor use.
Microwave ovens, garbage disposals, and dishwashers often require dedicated 20A circuits.
| Feature | 12 AWG | 14 AWG |
|---|---|---|
| Max Circuit Breaker | 20A | 15A |
| Copper Ampacity | 25A | 20A |
| Voltage Drop (50ft, 10A) | 1.6V (1.3%) | 2.5V (2.1%) |
| Cost (per 250ft) | ~$80-120 | ~$50-80 |
| Required For | Kitchen, bath, garage, laundry | General lighting only |
Pro Tip: Many electricians use 12 AWG throughout the home for future flexibility. The slightly higher cost is offset by the ability to upgrade any circuit to 20A without rewiring.
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