What is the minimum copper wiring size recommended for carrying 120 volts?

For carrying 120 volts in residential wiring, the minimum recommended copper wire size is 14 AWG (American Wire Gauge). This size is typically used for circuits that handle a maximum load of 15 amps, which is common for general lighting and receptacle circuits.

When considering safety and code compliance, 14 AWG wire is adequate for most standard household circuits and ensures that the wire can handle the electrical load without overheating. It strikes a balance between flexibility, ease of installation, and the capacity to safely carry electricity.

Using wire sizes smaller than 14 AWG, such as 16 AWG, may not meet safety standards and could lead to overheating or potential fire hazards due to inadequate current-carrying capacity. Meanwhile, larger wire sizes like 12 AWG or 10 AWG are appropriate for circuits with higher load requirements but are not necessary for typical 15-amp circuits powered by 120 volts. Thus, 14 AWG represents the minimum size that safely meets the requirements for standard 120-volt applications.