A breaker protects the wire, so breaker and wire size go together. This chart pairs common household circuits with their typical breaker and copper wire size.
| Circuit | Breaker | Copper wire |
|---|---|---|
| General lighting | 15 A | 14 AWG |
| Kitchen and bath outlets | 20 A | 12 AWG |
| Microwave, disposal | 20 A | 12 AWG |
| Electric dryer | 30 A | 10 AWG |
| Water heater | 30 A | 10 AWG |
| Electric range | 40 – 50 A | 8 – 6 AWG |
| EV charger (Level 2) | 40 – 60 A | 8 – 6 AWG |
FAQ
Can I upsize a breaker if it keeps tripping? No, not without addressing the actual cause. A breaker size must match the wire gauge it protects, so upsizing the breaker without upsizing the wire removes the protection the wire needs and can allow it to overheat under sustained load.
See the Wire Ampacity Chart and What Wire Size Do I Need.
Why the breaker and wire go together
A circuit breaker protects the wire from overheating, so the breaker rating must never exceed what the wire can carry. Common pairings are 15 amp breakers with 14 gauge copper wire and 20 amp breakers with 12 gauge. Swapping in a larger breaker without larger wire removes that protection and creates a fire risk.
Other things to keep in mind
Continuous loads, which run for three hours or more, should not exceed 80 percent of the breaker rating. Long runs may need larger wire to limit voltage drop, and some locations require special protection such as GFCI or AFCI breakers. Electrical work is governed by local code and often needs a permit, so have a licensed electrician do or inspect the work.