Appliance Wiring Guide

Wire size, breaker, and circuit requirements for common residential appliances per NEC 2023.

Kitchen

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
Electric Range/Oven50A6 AWG240V
Electric Cooktop40A8 AWG240V
Wall Oven (single)30A10 AWG240V
Refrigerator20A12 AWG120V
Dishwasher20A12 AWG120V
Garbage Disposal20A12 AWG120V
Microwave Oven20A12 AWG120V
Toaster Oven20A12 AWG120V
Coffee Maker20A12 AWG120V
Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker20A12 AWG120V
Induction Cooktop40A8 AWG240V
Chest Freezer15A14 AWG120V
Wine Cooler / Beverage Center15A14 AWG120V

Laundry

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
Electric Clothes Dryer30A10 AWG240V
Washing Machine20A12 AWG120V

HVAC

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
Central Air Conditioner (2-3 ton)Per nameplate MCA/MOCPA10 AWG240V
Central Air Conditioner (4-5 ton)Per nameplate MCA/MOCPA10 AWG240V
Mini-Split Heat Pump (12,000 BTU)20A12 AWG240V
Window AC Unit (5,000-8,000 BTU)20A12 AWG120V
Window AC Unit (10,000-15,000 BTU)20A12 AWG120V
Gas Furnace (blower motor)20A12 AWG120V
Electric Furnace / Heat Strip60-100A per nameplateA10 AWG240V
Space Heater (portable)20A12 AWG120V
Whole-House Fan15A14 AWG120V
Electric Fireplace Insert15A14 AWG120V
Radon Mitigation Fan15A14 AWG120V

Water Heating

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
Electric Water Heater (40-50 gal)30A10 AWG240V
Tankless Electric Water HeaterMultiple 40A-60A circuitsA10 AWG240V
Heat Pump Water Heater30A10 AWG240V
Tankless Gas Water Heater15A14 AWG120V

EV Charging

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
EV Charger Level 1 (120V)20A12 AWG120V
EV Charger Level 2 (240V, 32A)40A8 AWG240V
EV Charger Level 2 (240V, 48A)60A6 AWG240V

Bathroom

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
Hair Dryer20A12 AWG120V
Bathroom Exhaust Fan?A10 AWG120V
Steam Shower Generator50A6 AWG240V

Outdoor

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
Pool Pump (1-2 HP)20A12 AWG240V
Hot Tub / Spa (240V)50A6 AWG240V
Well Pump (1/2 HP)20A12 AWG240V
Well Pump (1 HP)30A10 AWG240V
Sump Pump (1/3-1/2 HP)20A12 AWG120V
Sauna Heater (240V)40A8 AWG240V
Irrigation Controller15A14 AWG120V
Electric Smoker / Pellet Grill20A12 AWG120V
Sewage Ejector Pump20A12 AWG120V
RV Hookup (30A)30A10 AWG120V
RV Hookup (50A)50A6 AWG120/240V

Workshop Tools

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
Circular Saw?A10 AWG120V
Table Saw (10 inch)?A10 AWG120V
Air Compressor (typical shop)?A10 AWG120V
Welder (MIG/TIG 240V)50A6 AWG240V
Electric Kiln (Pottery)50A6 AWG240V

Lighting

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
LED Bulb (60W equivalent)?A10 AWG120V
Incandescent Bulb (100W)?A10 AWG120V
Fluorescent Fixture (4-ft T8)?A10 AWG120V
Ceiling Fan with Light15A14 AWG120V

Electronics

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
Desktop Computer + Monitor?A10 AWG120V
Laptop (charging)?A10 AWG120V
Television (50-65 inch LED)?A10 AWG120V
Gaming Console?A10 AWG120V
WiFi Router?A10 AWG120V

Backup Power

ApplianceBreakerWire (Cu)Voltage
Portable Generator (typical loads)Varies by generator outputA10 AWG120V
Requirements vary by state. NEC edition, licensing, permits, and GFCI rules differ by jurisdiction. Check your state or pick it below for personalized info across WireRef.
Important: For reference only. Not a substitute for a licensed electrician. Electrical work can cause serious injury, death, fire, or property damage if performed incorrectly. Always hire a licensed electrician for electrical work, especially for service upgrades, panel work, and 240V circuits. Values are derived from NFPA 70 (NEC) for educational purposes. Always verify against your locally adopted NEC edition and amendments - local jurisdictions may enforce stricter requirements. WireRef provides reference information only and is not responsible for work performed based on this content. NEC® is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association. Free NEC access via NFPA · OSHA Electrical Safety · Terms of use.

NEC 2023 references verified April 2026