What size aluminum conductor would carry the same electrical current as a 14-gauge copper conductor?

In comparing the electrical carrying capacity of aluminum conductors to copper conductors, it’s important to recognize the differences in conductivity between these two materials. Copper is a better conductor than aluminum, meaning a smaller gauge of copper can carry the same current as a larger gauge of aluminum.

For a 14-gauge copper conductor, the equivalent size of an aluminum conductor that can carry the same amount of current is indeed a 12-gauge aluminum. This is typically based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standards, where aluminum conductors need to be approximately 1.6 times larger than copper conductors to accommodate the same current load without overheating.

By selecting a 12-gauge aluminum conductor, it ensures a safe and efficient electrical flow comparable to that of a 14-gauge copper conductor. In this way, the aluminum conductor effectively meets the same capacity requirements, making it suitable for installations that require equivalent performance.