10 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire specifications: 2.5882 mm diameter, 5.2612 mm² area, 35A ampacity (copper, 75°C), protected at 30A max per NEC 240.4(D). Resistance, weight, and common uses.
| Diameter | 2.5882 mm · 0.101897" · 101.9 mils |
| Cross-sectional area | 5.2612 mm² · 10,383 circular mils |
| Resistance (copper, 20°C) | 3.2768 Ω/km · 0.9988 Ω/1000ft |
| Resistance (aluminum, 20°C) | 5.3718 Ω/km · 1.6373 Ω/1000ft |
| Ampacity — copper 60°C | 30 A |
| Ampacity — copper 75°C | 35 A |
| Ampacity — copper 90°C | 40 A |
| Ampacity — aluminum 75°C | 30 A |
| Weight (copper) | 47.14 kg/km · 31.677 lbs/1000ft |
| Weight (aluminum) | 14.205 kg/km · 9.545 lbs/1000ft |
| Closest IEC 60228 size | 6 mm² |
| Skin depth at 60 Hz | 8.531 mm |
| Type | Temperature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| THHN/THWN-2 | 90°C dry / 75°C wet | Most common for building wire |
| XHHW-2 | 90°C dry and wet | Cross-linked polyethylene, moisture resistant |
| USE-2 | 90°C | Underground service entrance |
| NM-B (Romex) | 90°C | Non-metallic sheathed cable for residential |
| UF-B | 60°C | Underground feeder, direct burial |
10 AWG copper is commonly used for 30A circuits such as electric dryers and water heaters. NEC Table 310.16 rates it 35A at 75°C, but NEC 240.4(D) limits the breaker or fuse protecting it to 30A, which is why it is the standard wire for 30A circuits. It measures 2.588 mm in diameter with a 5.26 mm² cross-section.
Per NEC Table 310.16 (30°C ambient, no more than three current-carrying conductors), 10 AWG copper is rated 30A at 60°C, 35A at 75°C and 40A at 90°C. 10 AWG aluminum is rated 25A, 30A and 35A in the same columns. Regardless of those ratings, NEC 240.4(D) caps overcurrent protection at 30A for copper and 25A for aluminum. On circuits of 100A or less, NEC 110.14(C) generally requires the 60°C column unless every termination is rated 75°C.
Yes, but it is uncommon for new work. 10 AWG aluminum is rated 30A at 75°C, and NEC 240.4(D) limits it to a 25A breaker. Small-gauge aluminum branch wiring from the 1960s–70s is known for overheating at connections, so any device on it must be rated CO/ALR or AL/CU, or pigtailed with approved connectors.