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Determine the correct wire gauge for your circuit
Electricity in Ohio costs an average of $0.13/kWh.
Climate Zone
5
Electricity
$0.13/kWh
Labor Costs
95% avg
Enter your circuit details to determine the correct wire size
Distance from panel to load
Ohio is in Climate Zone 5 - Cool-Humid/Cold (significant heating, moderate cooling). Homes here typically have higher heating demands than cooling.
Wire sizing depends on several electrical and physical factors:
For a 20-amp circuit, you need at minimum 12-gauge copper wire (or 10-gauge aluminum). For longer runs (over 50 feet), you may need 10-gauge copper to prevent excessive voltage drop.
Electricity loses voltage as it travels through wire—this is called voltage drop. Longer distances mean more drop. If voltage drops too much (over 3%), equipment doesn't work properly and energy is wasted as heat.
Yes, larger wire is always safe. The only downsides are cost and that it's harder to work with. Many electricians size one gauge larger than minimum as a safety margin and for future flexibility.
Aluminum is cheaper but requires larger sizes for the same amperage (it conducts less well), needs special connectors, and isn't allowed for most branch circuits. It's mainly used for large feeder cables and service entrances.