Copper Electrical Wire
Copper electrical wire in 8, 10, 12 and 14 gauge, for powering heating and cooling equipment.
AirGreen codeAG-EL-00303
514 316-2973 · sales@airgreen.ca
Quick facts
Copper electrical wire is offered in 8, 10, 12 and 14 gauge. It is used for the supply circuits of heating and cooling equipment: heat pumps, electric furnaces, heating elements and air exchangers.
A circuit sized for the unit
Every unit shows its electrical ratings on its nameplate. Based on those ratings, the circuit protection and the length of the run, the electrician determines the wire gauge according to the Québec Construction Code, Chapter V – Electricity. A wire that is too small heats up; an undersized circuit trips the breaker or does not meet the Code.
Four gauges
- 8 gauge
- 10 gauge
- 12 gauge
- 14 gauge
The gauge number works in reverse: the smaller it is, the larger the conductor. An 8 gauge wire is therefore larger than a 14 gauge wire.
Replacing a unit means reviewing the circuit
Switching from an air conditioner to a heat pump, or adding a heating element, often changes the electrical requirements. Existing wiring can only be reused if it suits the new unit. Electrical connection is reserved for an electrical contractor. AirGreen holds RBQ licence 5645-9605-01, subcategory 16 (electricity), and is a member of the CMEQ.
Connected by AirGreen across Greater Montréal
Our technicians make the electrical connection as part of installing your heat pump or heating equipment in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore. For availability or a quote, call us at 514 316-2973 or email sales@airgreen.ca with the gauge and length.
The right gauge for each circuit
Every unit needs a circuit sized from its electrical ratings: the wire gauge is part of it.
- Supply circuits for wall-mount, central and multi-zone heat pumps
- Power for electric furnaces, heater kits and air exchangers
- Runs between the panel, the disconnect and the equipment
- Replacing undersized wiring when changing equipment
4 sizes, one page
Each size has its own AirGreen code. Tap a row to select it.
Conductor gauge. The smaller the number, the larger the wire.
Specifications
From the manufacturer’s documentation. A value the manufacturer does not publish is not listed.
What to know before installing
- The gauge is set from the equipment nameplate and the Québec Construction Code, Chapter V – Electricity.
- The smaller the gauge number, the larger the conductor: 8 gauge is larger than 14 gauge.
- A long run may call for a larger gauge.
- The connection must be made by an electrical contractor.
You may also need
Outdoor Disconnect Switch for Heat Pump
Breaker for Residential Electrical Panel
14/4 Communication Cable for Heat Pumps
Surge Protector for HVAC Equipment – 20 kA
RectorSeal RSH-50 Surge Protective DeviceElectricalSee all
Frequently asked questions
What gauge does my heat pump need?
It depends on the electrical ratings on the unit’s nameplate, the circuit protection and the length of the run. Your electrician sets it according to the Code.
Why is 8 gauge larger than 14 gauge?
The gauge number runs backwards: the smaller it is, the larger the conductor and the more current the wire can carry.
Can I reuse my old unit’s wiring?
Only if it suits the new unit. Switching from an air conditioner to a heat pump often calls for a different circuit: we check on site.
Can you make the connection?
Yes. AirGreen holds RBQ subclass 16 (electrical): our technicians make the electrical connection when they install your equipment.
A properly sized circuit for your equipment
Tell us the size and the quantity: we confirm availability and send you a quote. Or let our technicians install it for you.
Specifications from the manufacturer’s documentation, checked on October 7, 2026.