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What size fuse or circuit breaker is appropriate for a circuit wired with AWG number 14?

15 amperes.

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  1. 30 amperes
  2. 15 amperes ✔
  3. 25 amperes

Why: Thinner wire carries less current safely. AWG 14 wire is protected by a breaker of 15 amperes at most. A larger breaker could let the wire overheat before it trips.

Huh, didn't know that: A 20-ampere circuit breaker needs wire no smaller than AWG number 12, according to the National Electrical Code.

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References

Answer: 15 amperes. Thinner wire carries less current safely. AWG 14 wire is protected by a breaker of 15 amperes at most. A larger breaker could let the wire overheat before it trips.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    Which size of fuse or circuit breaker would be appropriate to use with a circuit that uses AWG number 14 wiring?
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    D. 15 amperes
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    According to the National Electrical Code, what is the minimum wire size
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  4. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    C. AWG number 12
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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