If you are a DIY electrician, it is critical that you use the right size wire for your electrical circuits. Using the wrong size wire can cause a fire hazard. If you are not sure of the correct size wire to use, you should consult with a professional electrician for advice.

Most electrical circuits in homes are wired with # 14 gage wiring. This wire is designed to carry 15 amps of current and is fused with a 15 amp circuit breaker. The #12 gage wire is also used in most homes, but is used for circuits that require 20 amps of power and is fused with a 20 amp circuit breaker.

The 15 amp circuits light circuits and common small appliances. The 20 amp circuits are used for refrigerators, furnaces, boilers and other circuits where 20 amps are required.

For more information on DIY electrical wiring, see the “DIY electrical wiring video” below.

See more DIY Videos