What is the preferred size of wire to use for circuits that will carry load current less than 60 amps?

The preferred size of wire for circuits carrying load current less than 60 amps is 6 AWG. This choice is based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standards and the need to ensure safe and efficient operation of electrical circuits.

When selecting wire size, it's important to consider both the ampacity, which is the maximum amount of electric current a conductor or device can carry before sustaining immediate or progressive deterioration, and factors such as the length of the wire run and the installation conditions (such as temperature).

For a load current under 60 amps, 6 AWG wire offers a balance between being adequately sized to handle the current while minimizing voltage drop and heat buildup. It ensures that the conductor can safely handle the load without risk of overheating or insulation failure, which could lead to electrical fires or other hazards.

Wire sizes smaller than 6 AWG, such as 8 AWG, may be insufficient as they may not handle the current safely, leading to potential overheating. Conversely, larger wire sizes like 4 AWG or 2 AWG are over-specification for loads under 60 amps; they are unnecessarily large, which could increase costs and be impractical for the application.

Thus, 6 AWG is recognized as