How is the ampacity adjusted when using 12 AWG THWN-2 conductors at an ambient temperature of 32°C?

To understand how the ampacity is adjusted for 12 AWG THWN-2 conductors at an ambient temperature of 32°C, it's essential to refer to the National Electrical Code (NEC) tables that provide the base ampacity for different wire gauges under standard conditions, typically at an ambient temperature of 30°C.

For 12 AWG THWN-2 conductors, the base ampacity is generally noted in NEC tables. When the ambient temperature exceeds the standard 30°C, adjustments must be made to accurately reflect the conductor's ability to safely carry current. Specifically, the adjustment factor varies with temperature increments.

At 32°C, the adjustment factor typically corresponds to a minor increment over the base condition. Specifically, for ambient temperatures between 30°C to 36°C, the NEC suggests using an adjustment factor of 0.96. This means that the ampacity should be multiplied by this factor to get the effective ampacity at 32°C.

Choosing to multiply by 0.96 effectively decreases the maximum allowable ampacity slightly, acknowledging that an increase in temperature can reduce the electrical capacity of the wire. Thus, this adjustment ensures adherence to safety standards while maintaining effective performance.

Therefore, the correct adjustment for the amp