cerberus79
#12 wire is rated for 20 amps and #10 is rated for 30 amps. If you use a 20 amp breaker it will trip at 85% of rating so what is the point of going to #10.Derating the wire will reduce voltage drop. The calculation of the proper gauge wire for a given amperage hinges on the distance of the wire, so you can't quite say, " #12 wire is rated for 20 amps," although it is generally true.