What ampacity does one 8 AWG THWN-2 copper conductor have in free air at 30 degrees C?

The ampacity of a conductor is influenced by several factors including the size of the wire, the insulation type, the installation conditions, and the ambient temperature. For an 8 AWG copper conductor with THWN-2 insulation, the ampacity is determined using the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines.

In free air at an ambient temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, a single 8 AWG copper conductor typically has an ampacity of 80 amperes. This value is derived from the NEC tables which specify ampacity ratings based on various installation conditions.

THWN-2 insulation is suitable for use in wet locations and can also handle higher temperatures, which is relevant when considering its ampacity under different conditions.

Given these details, the correct answer of 80 A aligns with the specifications provided in the NEC and accurately reflects the typical performance of an 8 AWG THWN-2 conductor in free air at the specified temperature.