Considered a general purpose gauge of wire by the National Electrical Code, 6 AWG wire is used in everything from lighting installations to hot tubs. Knowing the various applications of this specific kind of wire is necessary if you intend on undertaking any kind of home appliance installation, home remodeling and reconstruction, and other kinds of extensive construction and electrical service projects.

Familiarizing yourself with the various gauges of wire and their specific uses can greatly aid you in your ability to determine your project needs. If you are unfamiliar with how gauges are measured and what their most common uses are, it is best that you take the time and read over this simple guide. At Electric Wire & Cable Specialists, we are invested in helping our customers find the best product for their needs, and this means informing them on all aspects of our products.

At EWCS, we go out of our way to carry the highest quality wires, including larger sizes such as the 6 AWG wire, all NEC approved and ready for any standard use. Whether your requirements are residential, commercial, or industrial in nature, our wires will meet your specifications. This means proper cable insulation and flexibility that can also stand up to rigorous use, regardless of the circumstances.

Figuring out the right cable you need for the right job can seem somewhat daunting if you don’t know the terminology or are simply unfamiliar with certain industry standards, so it helps to review this material before deciding on exactly what you need for your project.

Understanding the American Wire Gauge System
Before undertaking any project that requires wiring, it’s best to completely familiarize yourself with the terminology behind the AWG system and all of the different intended applications and specifications for each kind of wire typically used for common purposes. This way, you will know what kind of wire you need for a specific job without even having to think twice about it.

The AWG system uses smaller numbers to designate larger diameters. The diameter is measured by taking a cross-section of the copper portion of the wire. 6 AWG wire is on the larger end of the spectrum in terms of common use, and is appropriate for roughly 55 amps and an absolute maximum of 60 amps. The heavier the gauge, the higher the amps that are appropriate for the wire in question. Matching the right gauge to your projected ampacity and determining the operating temperature, and the flexibility needed helps determine the kind of wire you need.

Amperage is a measure of the current that a wire can handle without overheating. Forcing more amps than a wire can handle is a dangerous safety hazard, and is why there are standards for wire sizes and maximum current set to begin with. The load requirement will determine the size of the wire that you need as outlined by the National Eletrcic Code.

It’s crucial that you follow the proper guidelines and choose the right wire for the job, otherwise serious complications including the danger of fire or electric hazard can result.

Importance of Using the Proper Wiring Installation of electrical wiring can be hazardous without proper knowledge of wire gauges and ampacity. The more you know about the AWG system, the better prepared you will be to determine what kind of wire you need and how to properly install it.

Lack of foresight and proper precaution when installing wiring can result in malfunctioning equipment, overheating, and fires. Something as simple as the diameter of a wire can make a massive difference, no matter the task at hand.

It doesn’t take much excess heat to wear down the insulation and cause a breakdown in the integrity of the wire, leading to potential risk of fire. Any kind of sustained current that is higher than a wire was designed to handle will quickly lead to overheating and eventually a safety hazard.

When discussing the risks of potential overheating scenarios, it’s important to note as well that the actual application of a wire doesn’t change the risks associated with getting the gauge wrong. In other words, the power cord for a household appliance is just as important as the electrical wiring in a car or house. They both obey the same basic laws and will overheat in exactly the same way if not properly installed. The wrong size wire in either scenario will result in overheating and will create a potential fire hazard.

The quality of the cable also makes a difference when talking about electrical safety. Cheaply made cables will have insulation that breaks down over time, which greatly increases the risk of overheating and potential fires. Well-made cables, such as the kind that we carry here at EWCS, have insulation that can endure rigorous use, which is what you want out of any kind of wire, especially larger gauges such as 6.

Choosing the right size wire for the job, as well as a quality brand from a reputable source will ensure that you are mitigating any possible safety hazards. The standards we set for our products ensure that you not only have access to a wide selection for all of your possible needs, but the products in question are of a quality you can count on.

What Are You Using Your Wires For?
Does your wiring project require 6 gauge? This versatile wire can certainly be used for numerous kinds of applications, but to ensure that you are choosing the best wire for the job, analyze its common uses and make absolutely certain of the ampacity requirements. If you have questions about your wiring needs, you can reach out to us easily as well.

Typically, 6 gauge is used in cases where smaller diameters of wire just wouldn’t be able to handle the large amount of current needed in order to successfully run a certain kind of appliance or electrical system.

Such appliances tend to be on the larger size, and include cooktops and ranges, hot tubs, certain HVAC units, larger lighting installations, and sub-panels. 6 gauge and larger wires are usually used in the battery and starting systems of vehicles.

The most common uses tend to be in the installation of large home appliances such as hot tubs and jacuzzis. Even most modern washers, dryers, dishwashers, and similarly sized appliances tend to rely on smaller gauges such as the 8, so the 6 gauge isn’t quite as common despite its many practical residential uses.

We make customer service a priority here at EWCS, so if you have a project that you believe needs 6 gauge wire but you aren’t completely sure even after doing the research, we are open to helping you find the right product you are looking for that matches the scope of your project. It’s vitally important that you know how to choose the right wire for the job to avoid any potential hazards. Even a larger appliance such as a range or certain 110-volt spas and hot tubs may take smaller gauges of wire such as 8 and 10.

Don’t stay in the dark if you have any questions. While our website is a great resource in its own right, we can personally assist you with making the right decision and purchase for your project, be it personal or professional.

How to Get High Quality 6 AWG Wire?
Regardless of the scope of your project, you need cables that will get the job done and not wear out under heavy use. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small D.I.Y. project in your backyard or a full scale professional operation for residential, commercial, or industrial construction or installation services. Ultimately you are going to want to use only the highest quality THHN-THWN copper wire available on the market and approved for all uses by the NEC.

This is where having specialists who know their material is crucial for providing the best possible products delivered in the fastest possible time. EWCS has made a name for itself as an authority on electrical wiring and cables of all varieties. We understand the difference between a quality product and a dud, and so we strive to provide only the highest quality wiring that meets any kind of demand. There’s enough to think about when it comes to a wiring project, the last thing you want to be concerned with is the quality of the product itself. With EWCS, this isn’t something you ever have to think about.

If you’re specifically looking for NEC approved 6 AWG wire that’s high in quality, our website makes it painless to order exactly what you need. You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or wait an eternity just to get what you or your business needs in order to successfully complete a job, no matter the scope or scale.

Our website has numerous options available for any kind of cable you are looking for, including 6 gauge, all easy to find through a simple search of our extensive directory. If there is something specific that you are looking for or have questions about, we would be happy to get in touch and discuss your needs. Your satisfaction is what our business is all about, supplying you with what you need, when you need it, in as easy a fashion as possible.

We will go out of our way to accommodate our customers with specific lengths of cable upon request, and we will work with you on bulk orders or other special requirements that you may have. We always ship as fast as possible as well, typically under 24 hours, so that deliveries can be made in two to three business days. We understand how important it is to have the right equipment and tools on hand when you need it. What good is ordered inventory that you don’t possess on hand?

When you make a purchase with us, we want you to be completely satisfied. Finding the right product for your endeavor is just as important to us as it is for you, and we make sure this shows through our relationship with our customers. The right supplier can make a massive difference in how quickly and efficiently you are able to tackle what you want to achieve. When it comes to wiring projects of any sort, you can’t make much progress if you don’t have the right product, or lack the product entirely due to slow shipping.

We know that you value quality and that is why we know you will be satisfied with the high quality of our products as well as the benefits of working with a supplier who puts your needs first and who delivers on their promises. Just as sturdy and flexible wires can be relied on to handle any job, we work hard to ensure that we can be just as reliable for our customers in meeting their needs and addressing their concerns.

Having a reliable supplier makes all the difference. Whether you have a large scale industrial project order or just want a single 100-feet 6 gauge wire for a personal project, we work to make sure you get exactly what you need in a timely manner, without any hassle. If you have any questions or concerns about our wires or how to order, you can easily reach us at 1-800-262-1598, or by Email at sales@ewcswire.com and a member of our team will be ready to help you.