Table C-1 lists the maximum number of amps allowed in various gauges of different copper wire types installed in conduit or supplied in cable. Note that these are independent of the length of the conductor. No matter how short the wire is, do not exceed these current rating. The NEC requires No.12 American Wire Gage (AWG) or larger conductor to be used with Systems under 50 volts.

Tables C-2 through C-7 list the maximum one way wire distance for various wire gauge, voltage, and current combinations. The term "one way" means the distance from one connection point to another, not the round trip distance the electricity makes. Put another way, these distances represent the length of the conduit.

Most of the tables in this chapter are for copper wire. Table C-B lists the maximum ampacities for aluminum wire, and is the only reference to aluminum conductors in this Appendix. Refer to the National Electrical Code, Sections 310-16 to 310-19, for more information on both copper and aluminum wiring and the temperature corrections necessary for operating various types of wires in high ambient temperatures.

Table C-1: Maximum Ampacities of Copper Wire in Conduit or Cable

Table C-2: Maximum One-way Copper Wire Distance for 2% Voltage Drop

Table C-3: Maximum One-way Copper Wire Distance for 2% Voltage Drop

Table C-4: Maximum One-way Copper Wire Distance for 2% Voltage Drop

Table C-5: Maximum One-way Copper Wire Distance for 5% Voltage Drop

Table C-6: Maximum One-way Copper Wire Distance for 5% Voltage Drop

Table C-7: Maximum One-way Copper Wire Distance for 5% Voltage Drop

Table C-8: Maximum Ampacities of Aluminum Wire in Conduit or Cable

Table C-1: Maximum Ampacities of Copper Wire in Conduit or Cable

Acceptable Locations and Wire Type

12 Volt Systems

24 Volt Systems

120 Volt Systems

12 Volt Systems

24 Volt Systems

120 Volt Systems

Acceptable Locations and Wire Type