---
title: "What Is Ampacity? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "Ampacity is the most current, in amps, that a wire can carry continuously without getting too hot. Plain-English glossary from Daniel Electric in Southlake, TX."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ampacity
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Power and utility

# Ampacity

Ampacity is the most current, in amps, that a wire can carry continuously without getting too hot.

OSHA defines ampacity as the current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating. The CPSC says an overload happens when the load on a circuit goes above the ampacity of its conductors. Wire size, insulation and heat all affect the number.

A [circuit breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/circuit-breaker) is chosen to protect the wire, so the breaker rating must not exceed the wire's ampacity. See [wire gauge](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/wire-gauge) for sizes. A larger breaker on small wire is a fire risk. Ask a licensed electrician. See the [home electrical safety checklist](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/home-electrical-safety-checklist).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Amperage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/amperage)
-   [Wire gauge](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/wire-gauge)
-   [Overload](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/overload)
-   [Circuit breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/circuit-breaker)

## Sources

1.  [OSHA: 1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399)
2.  [CPSC: New Technology for Preventing Residential Electrical Fires](https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/AFCIFireTechnology.pdf)

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