Hello readers, welcome to the new post. Here, we will discuss the 18 Gauge Wire Amp Rating: How Many Amps Can It Carry? 2024 Guide. Wire comes with different thicknesses based on use. Larger thick cors are commonly used for power distribution and utility systems, the 19 gauge wire is used in small devices and cars. For 90 degrees capacity of 18 gauge wire of copper can be of 14 amps in the raceway and 18 amps in free air. In this post, we will discuss different parameters of 18 gauge wire amps and 18 AWG current rating. Let’s get started with 18 Gauge Wire Amp Rating.
Ampacity of 18-Gauge Wire
18 gauge wire is a common option for low voltage or low curent uses. Ampacity is the maximum current of wire carry without getting hot, resulting in damage or casues any fire.
The 18 gauge wire has features to handle 10 amper in free air with optimal conditions. In bundle can handle 7 ampers
| Environment | Max Current |
|---|---|
| Free Air | 10 amps |
| Bundle | 7 amps |
Factors Affecting Amp Ratings of 18 gauge wire amps:
Types of 18 gauge wire
The 18 gauge wire comes with differnt insulation materials. There are many materials used but two are common thermoplastic PVC and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE).
The thermoplastic PVC comes with THWN-2, THW-2, THHW, and THHN. They are made with PVC which is less cost flexible and strongly structured. This type has a coating of nylon for abrasion resistance.
The thermoset cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) comes with XHHW-2, XHHW, XHWN-2, XHWN, and XHHN. They are thick but flexible and highly resistant to environmental conditions, then thermoplastic PVC type.
Thermoset wires have features to handle high temperatures thatn thermoplastic wires. In a result, they handle high faults current.
Length of wire
If there is no change in the ampere rating of the wire. it can casues large voltage losses. It casues lower operation of devices. As 18 gauge copper wire is common for low voltage uses, here different features listed for the length of wire
|
Current (amps)
|
Length (ft) | |
| 12V | 14V | |
| 0.25 | 100 | 200 |
| 0.5 | 50 | 100 |
| 0.75 | 35 | 70 |
| 1 | 25 | 50 |
| 2 | 13 | 26 |
| 3 | 9 | 18 |
| 4 | 6 | 12 |
| 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 10 | 2.5 | 5 |
| 14 | 1.9 | 3.8 |
Calculating Amp Capacity for 18 Gauge Wire:
8 AWG wire is rated for 16 amps for chassis wiring but for 2.3 Ampere for power transmission. 100ft like power transmission and more it will have resistance ~0.6 ohms for every wire. For twin lead, resistance would be ~1.2 Ω
Standard Ampacity for 18 Gauge Wire
| Insulation Temperature Rating | Ampacity for 18 Gauge Wire |
|---|---|
| 60°C | 14 amps |
| 75°C | 18 amps |
| 90°C | 21 amps |
Applications of 18 Gauge Wire:
What is 18 gauge wire? What is it used for?
The 18 gauge wire is about 0.0403 inches thick and thicker than the 20 gauge or 22 gauge wire. It is used in low voltage uses such as remotes and doorbells.
It is used for applications such as 15-amp and 20-amp circuits. But 18 gauge wire is normally used in different devices such as 10 amp lights.
They also come with low-voltage configurations such as speaker wires, home theaters, and car radios.
it is also used in model trains and robotics. They are also used in alarm systems and motion sensors
How Many Amps Can 18AWG Handle?
The 18 AWG can handle 16 amps but with high-temperature insulation for standard TW for wet insulation and like 12 or higher amps and will not fulfill the 15 ampers breaker needs. Normally 14 AWG for 15 amps and 11 AWG for 20 amp breaker is standard.
| Condition | Ampacity |
|---|---|
| 90 degrees Celsius Raceway, | 14 amps |
| Free air, at 0 degrees Celsius | 18 amps |
| Raceway, for 60 degrees Celsius | 12 amps |
| Free air, for 60 degrees Celsius | 14 amps |
Maximum Current for 18 AWG Wire?
The 18 AWG wire has features to handle about 16 amperes. it is suggested to have a value of 14 amperes for the safe zone.
What is the Amp Value for 18 Gauge Automotive Wire
- 18 gauge wire has features to handle 3 to 15 ampere. For distance, it can cover 2.4 feet to 12.2 feet
How many Amps Can 18 Gauge Wire Handle At 12 Volts?
The 18 AWG wire has features to handle 15 amps at 12 volts for a maximum temperature of 75 degrees.
| 18AWG 12 Volt | Distance |
| .25A | 376 |
| .33A | 285 |
| 1.67 | 56 |
| 2.50A | 38 |
| 3.33A | 28 |
| 4.17A | 23 |
| 5A | 19 |
How many Amps Can an 18-gauge Wire Handle At 24 Volts?
For 200 ft on 18AWG, a 24VAC load comes with 20W (0.83A) or less.
| Voltage | Ampacity |
|---|---|
| 12 volts | 14 amps |
| 24 volts | 14 amps |
| 36 volts | 12 amps |
| 48 volts | 10 amps |
How many Amps Can 18-Gauge Wire Handle At 120 Volts?
The current that 18 AWG wire can easily handle at 120 volts is based on the length of the wire and ambient temperature. According to NEC, 18 AWG wire has features to handle up to 5 amps.
How many Amps Can an 18-Gauge Wire Handle At 220 Volts?
the ampacity of different wire gauges at 220 volts:
| Wire Gauge | Ampacity |
|---|---|
| 10 AWG | 30 amps |
| 8 AWG | 40 amps |
| 6 AWG | 55 amps |
| 4 AWG | 70 amps |
Uses of 18-Gauge Wire
- The 18 AWG wire is used for fans and kitchen device lamps. it has features to handle moderate curent effectively. it is also best for configured spaces since it has flexibility.
- It is also used for lighting systems both residential and commercial. The 18 AWG connects light fixture for power supply and offers safe and effective transmission of power.
- The 18 AWG wire is used in wiring harnesses for connecting different components. it is used for automotive radios, speaker, and other systems.
- The 18 AWG wire is best for low voltae control circuits in automation systems and HVAC controls. it regulates and handles the temperature controls.
- This wire gauge is used for connecting speakers to the audio system since has features to handle the electrical requirements of audio signals. It causes clear and high-quality sound transmission.
- It is used in security systems for connection sensors, alarms and cameras. it is best for transmission signals in security circuits.
- it is also used in electronic devices such as power distribution in devices and making connection between components on boards.
What is the maximum amp for 18 gauge wire?
16 amps at 120 volts
How many watts is 18 gauge wire good for?
up to 1920 watts is good for 18 gauge wire
18 gauge automotive wire
Why are 18 AWG Aluminum Cables Not Common?
The 18 AWG aluminum cables not best to use for small gauges such as 18 AWG. Since aluminum is softer and malleable than copper. It can casues damage for smaller sizes.
Small gages needed flexibility, and copper cables were flexible. Copper is the best conductor and has less resistance to use.
Types of 18 AWG Copper Wires
THHN/THWN.
- THHN wires are USD for both dry and wet conditions. It is used in commercial wiring for outlets, switches, and lighting. The 18 gauge THHN wire is used for controlling circuits and lighting.
VNTC.
- This wire is used in industries for controlling circuits, power supply, and instrumentation control. Their versatility and resistance to oil and chemicals make it best to use for differnt machines and factories and also used for trays.
MTW.
- It is used for machine wiring and inner electrical connections. It has a flexible structure and flame resistance best for the manufacturing process.
SIS.
- Heat and moisture resistant are these wire best for use in switchboards and panelboards.
TFFN
- These wires are used for lighting fixtures and operations that need flexible operation. It can easily connect in tight spaces and is best for compact devices.
Features of 18 Gauge Wire
- The 18 gauge wire has 3 conductors, red, black, and yellow, it can cover 50 ft 18 AWG electrical wire.
- Its maximum input voltage is 300V. Maximum and current is 7.5 ampere.
- It is covered in PVC, and the conductor material is Tinned Copper.
- 18/3 stranded electrical wire and 34 strands of 0.16mm tinned copper led wire are in each circuit.
- Its high accuralty oxygen-free copper conducts electrical power. Then with aluminum materials, the 18 AWG 3 wire comes with lower resistance and higher conductivity.
- This wire is commonly used for low voltage cases, like extension cables for single color LED strips, power supply
Maximum Current For 18AWG Wire
For 18 AWG copper wire, the ampacity value is based on temperature. At 60°C (140°F), it’s 14 amps; at 75°C (167°F), it’s 18 amps; and at 90°C (194°F), it’s 22 amps.
How Many Amps Can 18 Gauge Stranded Wire Handle?
- The average rating of 18 gauge wire is 14 ampers. But solid wires have a feature to carry more current than stranded wires. In some applications, 18 gauge stranded wire to 7A.
How Many Amps Can 18 Gauge Automotive Wire Handle?
- The 18 gauge automotive wire is differnt in nature. These wires have features to handle from 3 amperes to 15 amperes. For distance, they can handle 2.4 feet to 12.2 feet.
How Many Amps Can 18 Gauge Wire Handle at 12V?
| Automotive Wire Size | 5 Amps | 15 Amps |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Gauge Wire (AWG) | 7.3 ft | 2.4 ft |
| 16 Gauge Wire (AWG) | 11.5 ft | 3.8 ft |
| 14 Gauge Wire (AWG) | 18.4 ft | 6.1 ft |
Is It Possible To Run 120 Volts Through An 18-gauge Wire?
- Yes, it is possible, the gauge or thickness of the wire defines what current can safely carry, and what amper it can carry. The dielectric strength of insulation defines the voltage handled. 120 volts is not high and any insulation can handle it easily
How many amps will 18 AWG carry?
| Temperature | Amperage |
| 60°C (140°F) | 14 |
| 75°C (167°F) | 18 |
| 90°C (194°F) | 22 |
How many amps is 18 gauge wire good for
The normal 18-gauge wire has a rating of 16 amps for household wiring circuits.
How many amps can a 18 gauge wire handle
| Automotive Wire Size | 5 Amps | 15 Amps |
| 18 Gauge Wire (AWG) | 7.3 ft | 2.4 ft |
How many volts can 18 gauge wire handle?
Max voltage: 300V(also can for 5V 12V 24V to 300V),
How many amps can an 18-gauge wire draw?
The 18 AWG wire can handle 16 ampers and for high-temperature insulation for standard TW wet insulation, it is like 12 or high ampere, it does not fulfill the featues of a 15 amp breaker. Usually, 14 AWG for 15 amperes and 12 AWg for 20-ampere breakers is standard.
Is 18 gauge good for 10 amps?
18 gauge can carry 1/2 current of 14 gauge solid, approximately 7–8 amps. 18 gauge stranded copper has featues to carry 1/2 the current of 14 gauge stranded or 12 gauge solid, or 10 amps
What is the current capacity of 18 gauge wire at 12V?
| Automotive Wire Size | 5 Amps | 20 Amps |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Gauge Wire (AWG) | 7.3 ft | 1.8 ft |
| 16 Gauge Wire (AWG) | 11.5 ft | 2.9 ft |
| 14 Gauge Wire (AWG) | 18.4 ft | 4.6 ft |
What size wire for 50 amps?
maximum of 50 amps, you’ll need a wire gauge of 6
What size wire for 240v amps?
| Copper | 12 | 20 AMP |
| Copper | 10 | 30 AMP |
| Aluminum | 8 | 30 AMP |
| Copper | 8 | 40 AMP |
Read Also:
- 30 Amp Wire Size: What AWG Wire You Need?
- 125 Amp Wire Size and Breaker Guide
- What Size Wire for 200 AMP Service Underground
- What Size Wire for 100 Amp Service
- What Size Wire Do I Need for a 60 Amp Sub Panel?
- What Size Wire Should I Use for a 50 Amp Sub Panel?
Faqs
- What is the maximum current for an 18-gauge wire?
An 18 AWG can handle16 amps
- What size is 18 gauge wire?
| Wire Number (Gauge) | A.W.G. or B&S (Inches) | A.W.G. Metric (MM) |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 0.0453″ | 1.15mm |
| 18 | 0.0403″ | 1.024mm |
| 19 | 0.0359″ | 0.9119mm |
| 20 | 0.032″ | 0.8128mm |
- What wire gauge for 20 amps?
12-gauge copper wire comes with an ampacity of 20 amps
- What is 18 gauge wire used for?
The 18 AWG wire is normally used for thermostats. Thermostats not needed high voltage or ampers, so thin wire is enough for providing power to relaying signals.
- What size wire for 30 amps?
wire gauge of 10 is for 30 amps
- What size wire for 10 amps?
wire gauge of 16 is best for 10 amps.a toaster, a hair dryer, a vacuum cleaner, a radiator, uses 10 amps wire
- What size wire for 40 amps?
The wire gauge value for 40 amps is gauge of 8. 40 amps are needed by electric cooktops.
- What size wire is 50 amps?
In the case of 50 amps, the wire gauge is 6 AWG.
- How thick is 18g wire?
18 gauge wire is about 0.0403 inches in diameter. it is a thin wire
- Can I use 18 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit?
Normally if there is need of wire that can handle 20 amps of current, use 12 gague, copper wire. ALuminum wire for 20 Amps would be 10 gauge (AWG.)
- What is 18-Gauge Wire Rated For?
18 AWis rated for 16 amperes for chassis wiring.
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