Specifications

12
AWG# 86°F (30°C)
104°F (40°C)
14
12
10
8
15 A
20 A
25 A
35 A
12.3 A
16.4 A
20.5 A
28.7 A
6.9 A
8.7 A
14.5 A
20.3 A
Ambient Temperature
For safety reasons, the maximum ratings in the table below should never be
exceeded.
As you can readily see from Chart 2, the maximum permissible current rat-
ings decrease rapidly as the ambient temperature rises. Carefully consider
the ambient temperature in which the equipment will be used when deter-
mining appropriate wire gauge size.
122°F (50°C)
Chart 2
(4) Voltage Drop
Another important consideration in determining appropriate wire gauge is
the voltage drop that occurs across the cable’s resistance. This is a function
of the gauge and the length of the conductors, the current drawn by the load,
and the AC mains voltage. Generally speaking, the permissible voltage drop
should not exceed 2.5% of the working voltage for audio loads. Chart 3
shows voltage drop as a percentage of the nominal working voltage for typ-
ical lengths of cables in #14 AWG, #12 AWG, #10 AWG, and #8 AWG at
120V AC and 240V AC. The shaded areas show cable lengths and loads that
result in 2.5% or less of voltage drop.
(NOTE: AWG means American Wire Gauge.)
Chart 2 applies to three-conductor portable cordage of the types S, SO, SP,
SPT, SJ, and SJO, which are typically rated at a maximum operating tempera-
ture of 140°F (60° C). (NOTE: Operating temperature is the heat generated
within the cable from the voltage drop added to the ambient temperature.)
Chart 2 covers ambient temperatures of 86°F (30°C), 104°F (40°C), & 122°F
(50°C).