12 Gauge wire max amps?

[wvanstone]

Hello

For years now I have been working in the electrical field. I have alway figured that 12 gauge wire was good for 20 amps (i.e to be protected with a 20 amp fuse).

Now I ran some zip wire Red/Black Zip Cord - $80.29 from the battery to the center console (about 6 feet one way) and wonder if i can squeeze 25 amps from it? Looking into the specs of the wire I think I should be able to get away with this considering the built in safety factory. What do you think?

Some reference info American Wire Gauge table and AWG Electrical Current Load Limits with skin depth frequencies

 

[Titanpat57]

I wouldn't, why take a chance in case something goes south (i.e power spike, fuse failure)

I'd rather build a little cushion in, and if you were going to run 25 amps, I'd actually run 10#.....

but of course, I don't run with sciissors either......

 

[Antman]

+1- Why take the risk? Run the 10g.

 

[kingpin748]

You should be fine with the 12 gauge, just make sure it's fused.

 

[ltdrose]

Use stranded and you'll be fine