6 Gauge Wire Amps: 6/2 Wire vs. 6/3 Wire vs. 6/4 Wire

6 Gauge wire is mainly used in residential and in industries that need medium size wire to transfer large amounts of energy with fewer losses. Due to their applications, it come in different sizes to meet the industrial requirements. Let’s discuss  6 Gauge Wire Amps. 

6 Gauge/6 AWG Wire Features

The diameter of 5 AWG wire is 4.1154 mm and the cross-sectional area is 13.3018 mm^2.  Different materials are used than copper to make these wires. Some materials used to make this wire are listed here.

• it is made with aluminum is less weight than copper and has good features of high electric resistance. So aluminum wires of the same ampacity are thick but less weight.
• Stranded types of wires are easier to make than solid wires as they have thin wires. its diameter is higher than copper wires.
• Tinned-stranded copper wires have many tinned thin wires and have less corrosion resistance. These wires are used in projects that need less-weight wires, especially in marine. But they are thicker than copper wires.
• Copper-clad aluminum wires come with an aluminum core and external copper cladding and make low-weight wires copper also has better conductivity than aluminum-made 6 gauge wires.

 6/2 Wire vs 6/3 Wire vs 6/4 Wire

• 6/2 Wire: this wire has two wire conductors and one ground.
• 6/3 Wire: It has 3 conductors and one ground.
• 6/4 Wire: it has 4 conductors and one ground wire.

WHAT IS THE AMPACITY OF A 6 AWG WIRE?

According to NEC the ampacity of 6AWG wire is given as

Here it is noticeable that the THHN wire is rated for 90 degrees, in the market the rated value will be 60 °C or 75°C. So good to use 60°C or 75°C ampacity also you have 90°C wire. The ampacity of 6 AWg wire can be decreased if bundled with other cables or connected in high temperatures. The normal capacity of 6AWg wire copper is 55amp, 60, or 65 amps.

Applications of 6 AWG cables

• These are common service entrance cables for homes or small buildings for loads of about 50 to 60 amps.
• This wire is used to feed subpanels in residential and commercial buildings.
• it is used to operate larger loads such as stoves, ovens, and AC units
• it is also used in larger rating AC units and hVAC devices
• it is also used in well pumps if the distance from the power source is larger and voltage losses can occur if used less gauge.
• it is also employed to deliver power to tools and equipment for temporary power distribution.
• it is also used in machines and instruments that need moderate power industries. Some devices that work well with 6 AWg wires are air compressors and motors. etc.

6 Gauge Wire Amp Rating

Types of 6 AWG Wires

THHN Wires

• These wires are used in indoor uses. it is used in branch circuits and feeders. Such as they operate power from the main panel to the HVAC unit.

XHHW

• it is used in applications where a high value of heat resistance is needed. Such as these wires used for feeder and branch circuits.  that need high heat resistance.

USE-2

• it is an underground service entrance wire. it is made to operate from external power supply to service instruments. It is the main part of the service entrance.

UF-B

• This is used for direct burial without conduit. As 6 AWg wire UF is used for providing the power to medium load outbuilding, of for underground circuits.

SER

• This wire connects the main power source with the internal distribution panel. It is the main part of service in small loads. it connected the main power meter with the home primary distribution panel.

RHW

• It is applied for damp locations and used in conduits and normally used basements and places that are affected due to moisture.

NM or Romex:

• it is used in interior residential wiring for larger circuits, like power outlets and switches for electrical ovens and ranges.

MHF

• It connects the main power supply and electrical system of mobile homes.

6-Gauge Wire Compatibility

6 Gauge compatible to 50A, 60A 70A and 100 A

Read Also:

• 60 Amp Wire Size
• 14/2 vs 14/3 Gauge Cables
• Wire Gauge For 20 Amp Circuit
• How Many Amps Can a 16-Gauge Wire Handle?

Faqs