16 AWG copper wire is not used for house circuits. As a cord it is rated 13 A, and as fixture or control wire it may be protected at no more than 10 A.
16 AWG wire ampacity
16 AWG copper and aluminum ampacity at 60, 75 and 90 °C, up to three current-carrying wires at 30 °C (86 °F) ambient and the rating as an extension cord
Rating
Copper
Aluminum
60 °C, NM-B
—
not made
75 °C
—
not made
90 °C
18 A
not made
As a cord
13 A
—
16 AWG ampacity by temperature rating.
16 AWG copper may be protected by a breaker of no more than 10 A, whatever its ampacity column says.
16 AWG wire size and resistance
16 AWG bare conductor size and copper resistance at operating temperature. The diameter is the nominal AWG value; stranded wire of the same size is slightly larger.