Electrical wiring comes in different gauges, or sizes. To make sure the power requirements for your home are met it is important that the correct gauge of wire is used for the power that you will be running through it. Too small and not enough power will be able to freely flow through and the wire can overheat and cause a fire.  Generally, the following gauges are commonly used for wiring a house: Wire size Use of the wire Allowable ampacity 14 gauge             For general circuits – light fixtures, outlets            15A 12 gauge             For kitchen counter plugs, small appliances          20A 10 gauge             For large appliances – dryer, window A/C              30A 8 gauge             For large appliances – range, central A/C               50A 6 gauge             For hot tub, furnace                                                    60A * When looking at gauge numbers it is important to know that the smaller the number, the larger the gauge.  Based on Canadian Electric Code