What is the ampacity of a 10 AWG THWN copper conductor when connected to a circuit breaker with a termination temperature limitation of 60°C?

To determine the ampacity of a 10 AWG THWN copper conductor connected to a circuit breaker with a termination temperature limitation of 60°C, it is important to reference appropriate tables from the National Electrical Code (NEC), specifically those that address conductors and their ampacities.

For a 10 AWG copper conductor, the base ampacity is typically listed, and adjustments may need to be made depending on the temperature rating of the insulation and the ambient temperature. In this scenario, THWN (Thermoplastic Heat and Water-resistant Nylon-coated) is rated for 75°C or higher; however, since the conductor is terminated at 60°C, we must consider the limitations of that temperature when determining ampacity.

According to NEC guidelines, if a copper conductor is terminated at a lower temperature (60°C in this instance), its ampacity is limited to ensure safe operation under these conditions. Therefore, the ampacity for a 10 AWG copper conductor at a termination temperature of 60°C is typically designated as 30 amps. This value reflects the safe maximum current that the conductor can carry without overheating or causing damage, given the termination temperature limit imposed by the circuit breaker.

Thus, the ampacity of the 10 AWG