What breaker is needed for 6 gauge wire?

6 AWG can only handle 65 amps. Here’s what a professional will know: The next wire size that can handle more than 75 amps (as required for a 60 amp breaker) is the 4 AWG gauge wire. 4 AWG can handle 85 amps; that’s more than enough ampacity to adequately wire a 60 amp breaker, even accounting for the 80% breaker rule.

Can I use 6awg instead of 8awg?





Certainly using 6 AWG vs. 8 AWG will provide lower resistance IN THE WIRING which ends up generating less heat in your walls. But that’s NOT going to impact how much current the cooktop draws significantly. Putting a 40A breaker would be fine here since it’s LOWER than the wire’s capacity.

How many amps can 6awg handle?

60 amps

6 Gauge Wire Amps Chart
As you can see, the maximum number of amps a 6 gauge wire can handle is 60 amps. This is the 6 AWG copper wire at 90°C (194°F).

Can I use a 60 amp breaker with 6 gauge wire?

For 60 ampere breakers, electricians and professionals suggest using a wire size gauge ranging from 6 AWG to 4 AWG.

What is 6 AWG wire used for?





6 gauge and larger wires are usually used in the battery and starting systems of vehicles. The most common uses tend to be in the installation of large home appliances such as hot tubs and jacuzzis.

What is number 6 wire rated for?

Wire Size and Amp Ratings

Wire Size 60°C (140°F)
AWG (mm²) Copper
8 (8.4) 40
6 (13.3) 55
4 (21.2) 70

Is 6awg bigger than 8awg?

The general rule of thumb is that the smaller the gauge number, the thicker the cable. The standardized method of measuring the thickness of a cable was established in 1857 in the United States.

Can I use #6 wire with a 30 amp breaker?

“Twelve-gauge wire is good for 20 amps, 10-gauge wire is good for 30 amps, 8-gauge is good for 40 amps, and 6-gauge is good for 55 amps,” and “The circuit breaker or fuse is always sized to protect the conductor [wire].”

Can I use a 40 amp breaker with 6 gauge wire?



Even though a 6-AWG wire is rated for 50 amps, putting a 40-amp circuit breaker on this wire gauge will cause the breaker to trip when its maximum current draw is exceeded, irrespective of the wire gauge. Thus, the circuit breaker will still protect the appliances connected up to 40 amps only.

How many amps can a 6 3 wire carry?

The 60A breaker feeding the 6/3 (I hope it’s copper) will limit the current to the subpanel to 60A per 120v leg. The panel must be rated for a minimum of the size of the breaker feeding it.

How many amps will #6 aluminum wire carry?

Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Aluminum or CopperClad Aluminum Conductors

Conductor Size (AWG/KCMIL) 60°C (140°F) TW, UF 75°C (167°F) RHW, THHW, THW, THWN, XHHW, USE, ZW
8 35 40
6 40 50
4 55 65
3 65 75

Can 6 gauge wire handle 50 amps?



For a maximum of 50 amps, you’ll need a wire gauge of 6. Fifty amp breakers are most often used to power many different appliances.

How far can you run 12 gauge wire on a 15 amp circuit?

You can run a 12 gauge wire up to 70 feet on a 15 amp circuit. That number drops to 50 feet if you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit.

How do I know what size wire and breaker I need?

To determine the breaker and wire size you need, divide the total watts by the voltage to find the amperage on the circuit. You can use a breaker and wire size ampacity chart to calculate the breaker and wire size you need. Each breaker size requires a different wire size based on the breaker’s ampacity.

Can you feed a 100 amp sub panel with a 50 amp breaker?

Just wire it up. There is no problem using a sub panel that can take more current than you will ever feed it. Points to note: The cable to your hot tub will be rated for 50A (not 100A); therefore you must not upgrade the breaker in your main panel to 100A.

What size breaker Do I need to feed a subpanel?



Based on your question, since you will be having a subpanel, you want the breaker feeding the subpanel to be sized for the subpanel or slightly smaller. So if you purchase and install a 200A subpanel, then the breaker should be 200A. If you use a 125A subpanel, then use a 125A breaker.

How many circuits can I run off a 50 amp sub panel?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) specified that a lighting and appliance branch circuit panelboard could not contain more than 42 overcurrent devices (circuit breakers).

What size breaker do I need for a 100 amp subpanel?

20/24 panels can hold 16 full-sized and 4 twin breakers (24 circuits in total). The number of breakers can max out to 30-42, too, depending on the design of your 100-amp pane. However, NEC prohibits more than 42 circuits, so you can only choose between 20-42 breakers for a 100-amp panel.

What size wire do I need for 100 amp sub panel 150 feet away?

#00 AWG wire



Wire Size For 100 Amp Sub Panel 150 Feet Away
100 amp service 150 feet away from the sub panel requires #00 AWG wire (also known as 2/0 AWG wire). This wire has a median ampacity of 175 amps; more than enough than the required minimum 162.5 ampacity.

Can a 60 amp breaker feed a 100 amp sub panel?

You can feed a 100 Amp panel with a 60 Amp breaker. Keep in mind that the sub panel needs to be rated above the breaker size.