What is the typical size of wire used for general lighting circuits in residential wiring?

The typical size of wire used for general lighting circuits in residential wiring is 12 AWG. This gauge provides a suitable balance between safety and practicality, ensuring that it can handle the standard amperage of lighting circuits, which is usually on a 15-amp circuit breaker.

Using 12 AWG wire allows for efficient conduction of electricity while minimizing voltage drop over longer distances, which is essential for lighting applications. It also helps protect against overheating, as the wire's gauge is capable of carrying the load without exceeding safe temperature limits.

Throughout residential applications, using 12 AWG wire meets the requirements set forth in the National Electrical Code (NEC) for general lighting, ensuring both safety and efficiency. In contrast, larger gauges such as 8 AWG or 6 AWG are more appropriate for circuits with higher amperage demands, such as feeding large appliances or sub-panels, while 10 AWG might be used for certain specific applications that exceed typical lighting requirements but do not need the capacity of the larger gauges.