Which statement about #14 AWG copper wire is true when compared to #14 AWG aluminum wire?

Which statement about #14 AWG copper wire is true when compared to #14 AWG aluminum wire?

• A. Copper #14 AWG is rated to carry more current than #14 AWG aluminum.
• B. Copper can carry the same current as #14 AWG aluminum.
• C. Aluminum #14 AWG carries more current than copper.
• D. Copper cannot carry current.

Answer: (A)

Ampacity depends on how much heat a conductor can safely handle before its insulation is stressed. Copper conducts electricity more efficiently than aluminum, meaning for the same cross-sectional area (the same AWG), copper has lower resistance and heats up less for a given current. Because of this, copper of a given gauge can carry more current than aluminum of the same gauge under the same installation conditions and temperature rating. Therefore, #14 AWG copper is typically rated to carry more current than #14 AWG aluminum. In practice, aluminum of the same gauge has a lower ampacity and would require a larger gauge to carry the same load, depending on insulation and ambient temperature.

Ampacity depends on how much heat a conductor can safely handle before its insulation is stressed. Copper conducts electricity more efficiently than aluminum, meaning for the same cross-sectional area (the same AWG), copper has lower resistance and heats up less for a given current. Because of this, copper of a given gauge can carry more current than aluminum of the same gauge under the same installation conditions and temperature rating. Therefore, #14 AWG copper is typically rated to carry more current than #14 AWG aluminum. In practice, aluminum of the same gauge has a lower ampacity and would require a larger gauge to carry the same load, depending on insulation and ambient temperature.