What is the allowable ampacity of a 1-10 AWG, THW copper conductor?

The allowable ampacity of a 1-10 AWG, THW copper conductor is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) tables, which provide guidelines for determining the maximum amount of current that a conductor can safely carry. For THW insulation, the ampacity varies according to the gauge of the wire and the installation conditions.

Specifically, for a 10 AWG copper conductor with THW insulation, the allowable ampacity is typically around 30 amps under standard conditions. However, if the question is referring to the specific scenario of using a larger conductor size or if there are reducing factors due to the installation conditions (such as bundling cables or higher ambient temperatures), the allowable ampacity could indeed be less than what is standard.

In this case, if the selected answer is 35 amps, it implies a minor misunderstanding of standard values unless specific conditions imply a different calculation. Normally, 30 amps would be the correct stated value for a 10 AWG THW copper conductor under typical conditions. This highlights the importance of understanding both the gauge and the specific conditions under which the conductor is used in order to accurately determine ampacity.

Thus, it is essential to refer to the appropriate NEC tables for accurate ratings depending on