What gauge wire should be used for an electric motor that draws 14.5 amps with a 9-wire bundle?

For an electric motor that draws 14.5 amps, selecting the appropriate gauge wire is crucial for safety and performance. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard specifies that a 12-gauge wire is typically rated to carry between 20 to 30 amps, which would be more than sufficient for a load of 14.5 amps under ideal circumstances. However, when considering that the wires are part of a 9-wire bundle, it's important to account for the increased heat generated due to the grouping of wires.

In a wire bundle, as the number of wires increases, the ability to dissipate heat decreases, which can lead to overheating if each wire is not rated sufficiently. Therefore, it is common practice to use a larger gauge wire than would normally be necessary to offset this heat buildup.

While 14-gauge wire can technically carry up to about 15 amps under normal conditions, in this scenario, the 9-wire bundle should be considered as it may necessitate a larger gauge for safety reasons. Using a 12-gauge wire would provide a larger safety margin against overheating and voltage drop, making it a more suitable choice in practical applications.

In conclusion, while 14-gauge wire is close to acceptable, opting for a