Quote:
Originally Posted by jimh
the fuse size is chosen to protect the wiring not the component. each component should have its own protection. ie the wire size determines the size of the fuse.
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x2. 14AWG= 15AMP 12AWG=20AMP 10AWG=30AMP
Now, this can change if the wire is long, you have a voltage drop requiring more amps.
For example, if you are running 2 100 foot 14 gage extension cords in series, both rated for 15 AMPS, you most likely can not pull a full 15 AMPS from it without it getting warm and/or possibly melting. It may not trip the breaker as the extension cord now becomes the weakest link and acts like a fuse by excessive heat and melting. Please do not try this experiment at home!
Check out
Ohm's law - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ,
Electric power - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia , and
American wire gauge - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia .