50 amp breaker...what size wire?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Amps........Copper........Alum
======================
40.............8 ga..........6 ga
60.............6 ga..........4 ga

What size for 50 amps? Does it remain at 8 and 6?

[Wayne B. Wilson]

I would always go to the next size up. But that is what i do

[Bruce A. King]

Most 6 gauge copper is only good for 55 amps due to the temperature rating but its allowed for 60 around here since you can rarely see the specs on the sheathing.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Rule of thumb 125% should be used

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

So, 12 AWG is not good. Cause that's what I found.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

LOLOL you have to be kidding

[Larry D. Kage]

I think it's okay. I'm sure they're just trying to pre-melt it for recycling.

[brian winkle]

Joe, there are many factors involved, for instance #8 CU THHN is good for 50 amps but 8/3 Romex is not, you would need 6/3 if Romex. Also, there are applications where #12 would be acceptable on a 50 amp circuit, for example a tap on a cooking appliance circuit (210.19(A)exception No 1), or a motor circuit where overload protection is provided at the motor.