What Wite Size For 100 Amp Service

Knowing which size to pick is important, and so you lot tin apply the right one for your equipment that requires electricity. If this is your get-go time reading well-nigh the topic, we cover some basic things to know nearly it.

In a bustle? Ownership recommendations

Nosotros've got you covered if you want to buy a excursion billow or a sub-console. Nosotros can too aid you with a transfer switch or fuse for your 70 to 600amp service needs. We've found all the products we recommend based on NEC's nautical chart to ensure rubber.

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A Rule of Thumb: What are the correctwire sizes for 70 toAmp Service &Breakers?

What electrical components do I demand for a projection? The rule of thumb that techs volition unremarkably go by is that for alxx amp circuit billow, 4-gauge copper wireis the correct one to go with. For anlxxxamp, you demand a 4-gaugeastward copperwire. For a100amp service, y'all will need a 1-gaugewire.

For125 amps, you lot volition need a i-gauge copperwire. For150amp, yous will need a i/0-size copperwireast. For a 200 amp service, you lot will need a 250 kcmil-judge copper wire. For a 400 amp service, you will need a 600 kcmil-guess copper wire. For 600 amp, y'all volition need a 1500 kcmil-gaugewire.

Information technology'due south important to realize that these rules of thumb come with certain limitations, such as the material and the ambience temperature.

We'll get into it and share a wire ampacity rating chart for people who know what a estimate is and its importance. Utilize it to effigy out what it is that you need. Whorl down a trivial chip.

This commodity was made due to the popularity of our original commodity. Choosing the correct cord is crucial whether doing gasless MIGwelding orweldingaluminum. Any electrical activity has certain requirements.

The chart below canshow you the wirdue east size for 70, fourscore, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 600amp of service. Curl downwards the page a little bit farther.

Tabular array of content

A Rule of Pollex
Amounts
What is agauge?
Choosing the right ane
What happens when you choose the incorrect one
But if you find yourself having the wrong one, here are the things that might happen.
Standardwiregauge chart

A Rule of Thumb

Nosotros encourage you to wait at the chart below to find the correct products for your project. At that place are full general rules of thumb that techs go by, which we have included in the nautical chart.

We've got the chart yous need to see the electric cable requirements for aluminum and copper.

Below is a table based on conductor temperatures of 140°F unless otherwise stated, taken from the NEC 310.xvi.

Gcircularwireastward, service entrance, circuit,breaker size chart rating
Service or Feeder Rating (amp)	Aluminum conductor	Copper conductor
70	#ii AWG	#4 AWG
fourscore	#1 AWG	#3 AWG
100	#i/0 AWG	#ane AWG
125	#3/0 AWG	#ane/0 AWG
150	#four/0 AWG	#3/0 AWG
200	350 kcmil	250 kcmil
300	700 kcmil	500 kcmil
400	1,250 kcmil	750 kcmil
600	ii,000 kcmil (194°F)	ane,500 kcmil (167°F)

Amounts

Suppose yous are unsure of which type of material yous are dealing with or don't know the right temperature. We always suggest erring on the side of circumspection. For that reason, our recommendations volition always suggest a safety pick given the ambience temperature. It's always ameliorate to choose a bigger diameter if y'all are unsure about any weather that could influence the performance.

lxamp

As you can meet, you lot volition want a 6 judge wire for 60 amp. If you're more cautious, a 4 AWG is bully. That is bold the right conditions, such as temperature.

Let's say you take an viii-gaugeast and a x-rated lying around at home. You want to know if you lot can use these with the circuitbreaker. The eight-gauge nor the x-gaugeast can be coupled with thisbreaker. Simply accept a look at the chart further downwardly the page.

seventyamp

For 70amp, the correctwire is either agauge threealuminum or agaugdue east 4 copper. That is, assuming there aren't other factors impacting the operation.

The requirement depends on whether aluminum or copper is used and the ambient temperature. For a excursioninterruptioner with this rating, you can use iv-gauge copper at an ambient temperature of 140°F.

80amp wire size

The right 80amp wire size is agauge 4 copperwire. 80 amp service volition need to exist a 2 AWG if y'all are going foraluminum instead. Exist sure you get the correct one for your subpanel andbreaker!

What size wire for 100 amp service?

The correct100amp wire size is a 1-gauge. However, that is but if you don't consider the material. We'll go into a piffling chip more than particular beneath.

You demand to become a gauge 1 made of aluminum for a sub-panel, whereas a 3 will piece of work if it is copper. It applies to both a breaker & sub-panel. These recommendations are based on conductor temperature ratings of 167°F.

Exist sure to consider the tabular array below to see the various products we recommend for sub-panels and entrance cables. When y'all click on the tabular array, you may accept to make the right selection to follow the electric recommendations provided.

Proper name

Best service wire

WindyNation

All-time transfer switch

Xantrex 81-2010-12

Best breaker

Picture

Best sub console

Picture

Best service wire

Picture

Best transfer switch

Pic

125amp

The rightwirdue east size for 125amp service is agauge 1 copper or a 2/0aluminum to exist on the prophylactic side. Look at the table below to come across the sub panel andbreaker we recommend for 125 amps of service.

Product

All-time breaker box

Breaker box

All-time wire

All-time breaker box

B01F76VJ3I

150amp

For 150amp, y'all need a 3/0wire size made ofaluminum. Otherwise, a one/0 is thesmallest you can become with when looking at copper.

Suppose you have a circuitbreaker at home with this rating, and y'all would like to employ information technology.

You will demand ane/0-gaugeast copper at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 2/0-gaugdue eastaluminum at an ambience temperature of 194°F.

What size wire for 200 amp service?

The correct 200 amp wire size is 250 made of aluminum or a 3/0 made of copper. Here's a table with the different sub-panel andpauseers we recommend for thispower level.

Name

Best sub panel

Siemens W0202MB1200CU

Best transfer switch

Siemens DTGNF224NR

Best billow

Picture

All-time sub console

Picture

All-time wire

Motion-picture show

Best transfer switch

Picture

300amp

For 300amp service, you volition desire copperwireast of size 500 kcmil to handle the load.

What size wire for 400 amp service?

The correct 400amp wire size requires analuminumwireastward size of m kcmil. In contrast, a copper 600 kcmil can handle that amount of power. Take a await at the NEC electric cable chart below.

600amp

The rightwire size for 600amp service is at least 1500 kcmil assuming a temperature of 167°F of the usher.

Fullwire size chart for 70, eighty, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, & 600amp

	Maxamp for	Aluminum	Maxamp for	Copper		Our recommendation
WireGaugeast	167°F	194°F	140°F	167°F	194°F
14	—	—	20	twenty	25	twenty
12	20	25	25	25	30	20
10	thirty	35	30	35	40	thirty
viii	xl	45	forty	fifty	55	40
6	50	60	55	65	75	50
4	65	75	lxx	85	95	65
3	75	85	85	100	110	75
2	90	100	95	115	130	90
i	100	115	110	130	145	100
one/0	120	135	125	150	170	120
2/0	135	150	145	175	195	135
3/0	155	175	165	200	225	155
4/0	180	205	195	230	260	180
250	205	230	215	255	290	205
300	230	255	240	285	320	230
350	250	280	260	310	350	250
500	310	350	320	380	430	310
600	340	385	355	420	475	340
750	385	435	400	475	535	385
1000	445	500	455	545	615	445
1250	485	545	545	590	665	405
1500	520	585	585	625	705	435
1750	545	615	615	650	735	455
2000	560	630	630	665	750	470

What is agauge?

Thegauge is the diameter of the product. This determines how much electrical current it tin can safely behave. If you accept ever been to the electrical section of a hardwarestore, you volition discover it comes in several options.

Instead of referring to its actual thickness, people use its estimate. 6 and 4 are just some of the numbers you'll come across. You lot could also come across gauges like 1/0, 2/0, and three/0.

It is inversely proportional to the diameter. It means the college the number, thesmaller the diameter. If it is not written on the product itself or is unclear, you can use a thickness tool to determine it. Getting the correct diameter is of import because it determines the maximum electric current it tin safely handle. Using an incorrect 1 could pb to serious issues in the long run. Then before deciding which to buy, consider how much electrical current it can handle by identifying the devices you will use.

The United states of america and 65 othercountries apply the AWG as the unit of measurement of measure. Other countries use the Imperial Standard, defined by the British Board of Trade.

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Choosing the right one

They normally burn down if yous use the incorrect one. It is advisable to know the correct one toprevent this from happening. The bad matter is that most people are not aware that your pick makes a difference. People often make the connections themselves without consulting or calling a licensed electrician. Information technology could atomic number 82 to serious issues when washed incorrectly.

When the setup involves the circuitinterruptioner, y'all should take extraprecautions. Installing the right components will greatlyprevent common issues from happening. In almost cases, issues arise because of an wrong i. The dissimilar electric components always need to be compatible with one another.

If you take a lxamp excursionbreaker for yourwaterheater, read the next section as we guide yous to sympathise the basics. We'll ensure you know which products go with your clothesdryer orair conditioner.

What happens when you lot choose the wrong one

It is a common misconception for people to think that equally long equally the ends of thewire fit a connector, at that place will be no issues. Information technology is not the instance for circuitbreakers. People unaware of their importance ofttimes use as well small gauges to connect their circuit breakers. Smaller diameter ones are cheaper than the bigger ones. Unaware people often go for the cheaper ones, thinking it will not make any departure. Sadly, information technology will only price them more in the long run.

Using a larger one for your excursionintermissioner is often the best style to become. The only negative upshot this has is your budget, which will cost you more upfront. When picking a larger one, yous spend more than what y'all may demand. However, information technology will non cause any impairment to your circuitintermissioner. Instead, information technology can amend handle the electric current flowing through it.

But if y'all find yourself having the incorrect one, here are the things that might happen.

Consequences
Drop-in performance	Melted insulation
Fire	Damaged equipment

A drop in functioning

If you connect appliances to a circuitbreaker using as well small i, achieving summit efficiency may exist impossible. The appliances tin can only receive a part of the energy required to operate at height performance. In effect, your appliances will be unlikely to achieve their optimal performance.

You may have a xvamp circuitpauseer that you need to utilize for light fixtures at home. At best, using anything less than the recommended 14-approximate could pb to performance issues. For electric furnaces, you need at least a 4 because of the amount of current they swallow.

Make sure to run into what the requirement are, whether yous are welding or powering ametal lathe. If not, y'all might be using the incorrectcord. It could lead to suboptimal performance, at best.

Information technology can start a fire

Incorrect wire size and amp rating causing burning wire

Fire is the worst-case caused by a burning electrical component that starts. Although modern excursion breakers have prophylactic measures, they may non be enough if the load is too much.

A mutual safety mensurate formodern circuitsuspensioners is the trip machinery. When the circuitbreaker experiences an overload, it will trip to cut the current from passing through. It helpsprevent whatsoever harm from happening. Nevertheless, having a trip mechanism does not fullyprevent a burn from happening.

Melted insulation

Asmall-scaleer diameter tin can handle less electric current, making them more resistant to energy menses. If the diameter is mode smaller for your circuit billow, the current flowing is more than it tin can handle. Due to high resistance, oestrus generates and will eventually lead to melting.

Damage to the equipment

Aside from functioning drop issues and the possibility of starting a fire, using amodester one may harm your equipment. When the power supply is not stable, it may bust your equipment.

Standard wire gauge chart

You lot should know that it is of import to have a licensed electrician handle whatsoever electrical piece of work. Information technology helps to know some basic electric things, such as the rightgaugeast. The chart electricians utilize every bit their reference will differ depending on the region.

Using astandard measurement musical instrument is easy to answer your questions nearly the product's diameter. We employ the AWG arrangement in the United States to determine it. The AWG defines the bore of solid round wires, otherwise known every bit the estimate. Given the various conditions, the capacity is the highest electric current information technology can handle. The fabric information technology was made from, and the ambience temperature is important factors.

When referring to the table below, notation that the AWG value is opposite to the diameter. A higher AWG refers to apocket-sizeder diameter. Information technology means an viii-gauge tin back up a college chapters than a ten. The chart below defines the diameter in inches and millimeters. The chart should help make up one's mind which 1 to choose.

The 1 with the largest diameter is the 0000, while thesmall-scaleest is the 40. The erstwhile lets more energy flow through information technology at whatsoever given fourth dimension than thesmall-scaleer ones volition.

Oft Asked Questions

Allow us look at other queries and questions that unremarkably pop upward in electric work.

Wire versus Cable

Both of the above terms may seem interchangeable to many folks, but few know the significance of each. The basic wire is one usher, whereas a cable has many different conductors grouped. An outer layer of the sheath protects the cables. The wire unremarkably goes bare or has a PVC coating on acme to protect and prevent accidents.

The wire unit is thegauge or thickness nosotros have referred to above. In the example of the cable, the measuring unit is the total number ofwires a cable consists of and their thickness.

Wires comport pocket-size electrical loads and transmit telecommunications signals and other small parts like bulbs and vehicle parts. On the other hand, the cables transport huge loads of electrical currents.

The cable types include coaxial cablevision and twisted pair cable. It tin also include multi-conductor cablevision and fiber-optic cablevision. A multi-conductor table means joining many different cables. Its goal is to reduce noise and cross-talk. Coaxial cables consist of two conductors running parallel to them, one inside and i outside. These are generally used in televisions. You'll mostly discover the twisted pair type wherever information and telecommunications transportation is required. Since the twisting of the two conductors reduces noise, it is perfect for transmitting data signals through long distances.

Is it 'Gauge' or 'AWG'?

AmericanWireGauge is frequently referred to as AWG. It is the standard used in most of North America and refers to thickness. It is used to denote the current carrying capacity of the wire and the cross-sectional expanse. Using this standard ways you tin can purchase a 14 AWG wire from two different vendors. You lot will discover they are the same thickness. The 'guess' can exist used as a shortened way of expressing AWG, simply the seller must always ostend this. Sometimes manufacturers apply the term 'gauge' to marketplace cables that are certainly non in AWG units.

What is abreaker box/sub-panel? What is the difference between a Main Panel and Sub-panel?

The main panel is also known as the service entrance console. Here the ability company's current get-go enters the home and is farther distributed to the residual of the household. It's also the first safety cyberspace that protects your abode from any kind of electrical damage or fires. Suppose you doubtable any faults in the circuit. You tin straight switch off the main panel and take your dwelling out of the power filigree of the electricity supplier.

The sub-console is like a miniature main panel that doesn't have a direct connection to the power utility company. Information technology feeds off the main panel's current. Its purpose is quite similar to the principal panels in that information technology protects appliances from shorting or faulting. They too incorporate excursion breakers and fuses to detect whatsoever electricity surcharge and immediately stop the current to avoid fires. Only then how are sub-panels different?

Sub-panels are dissimilar equally they have their power from the primary panel. Their main purpose is to help you organize your home's electric circuit in a manageable manner. You could also use a sub-panel to avoid overcrowding in the main panel. Overloading is a serious fire gamble. You can avert this by distributing your dwelling into the area, each having its sub-console.

Subpanels can too isolate certain areas that take different power usage. For case, a garage workshop will put a cracking load on the main panel with its heavy machinery. Y'all can avoid this by setting up a separate sub-console for the garage. You can isolate the surface area with the problem and plough off the respective area's sub-panel in whatsoever short or error. At the same fourth dimension, the rest of the house tin can remain powered as usual.

What is the difference between Neutral and Earth lines?

The simplest way to explain the Neutral and earth lines is to look at a bones three-pin socket. Each pivot corresponds to Earth, neutral, and stage. While the phase line carries the current, the neutral line makes for the render for balancing the period. The earth line is the prophylactic net during the entire procedure.

Globe line: The fluctuation of alternating current in household or workplace use can be unsafe if non directed elsewhere. That is why the earth line makes sure to have the extra current straight into the ground so that no shorts or accidents occur. A rod is used to straight the extra current under faulty weather. During normal conditions, this line usually stays current-complimentary.

Neutral line: This line is a render path for the alternating current, connecting the flow to its origin point. Even though it carries no current, the circuit is incomplete without this line. It is also known every bit the zero potential betoken. The return path provides a fashion to make the full of the current zero. In this fashion, both neutral and earth lines are safety lines. Preventive measures are taken to reduce the chances of a short scenario of a faulty electric current belch.

What is a base meter? When is it time for a replacement?

A base of operations meter is a protective enclosure around the electric meter to keep the mechanism. It wires dry and in proper working condition. It is also responsible for receiving the supply of current from the power utility company and sending it to the main ability panel of the house. Although the power utility company provides the meter box, the homeowner is responsible for all other attachments. Keeping the meter box and meter base in the appropriate condition is important for the house to be powered.

Suppose you spot whatever of the following signs. Your meter base may be in trouble, like flickering lights and devices not working. It could also be partial outages in the house. If y'all spot any visible damage to your meter box and base, information technology too may exist time for a replacement. It tin include corrosion on the inside or exterior due to the weather condition weather or torn and cleaved wires. Autonomously from all these conditions, updating meters to standard building and electricity codes is a major reason to get your meter base of operations replaced. It is common for meter boxes to upgrade to a 200A chapters as older homes generally accept 60A chapters meters installed. If you take a large abode or property, a 400A capacity meter would exist more than appropriate.

What is the National Electrical Code?

The NEC is used every bit ademotemark for safe electric installation and inspection in all 50 Usa of America. It is part of the publication by the National Fire Protection Association. Although it is not established past federal law, all states normally follow it.

Basic NEC rules and Codes

Size of circuitbreaker: For non-motor loads, the maximum loading for abreaker is cut off at 80%. Under no circumstances can thesuspensioner be larger than theampacity unless it is for motor loads.
Full general design guidelines: lights and outlets should exist prepare on unlike circuits. This volition allow maximum loading on calorie-free circuits and get out capacity for other outlets.
Outlets circuits must accept GFI protection if located in residential locations. Any place with portable equipment and mechanism must also accept GFI outlets. This includes any garage areas and workshops. It can also include shops and warehouses. Each slice of fixed machinery similar drill presses or welding machines must likewise have its GFI-protected circuit.
Service size: The minimum service for a very small edifice is 100 A and 20 circuits. It is advisable to do load calculations for larger places.
Underground – Apply XLP-USE for undercover wiring, with AWG copper minimum.
Protecting cables and conduits: Conductors must be inside a cord or trench. They can also be inside a raceway or cablevision tray.
Outdoor receptacle: Each home must take one front and ane rear receptacle, which is easily accessible. It is advised information technology should be located no more than than six and a half anxiety in a higher place the ground.
Receptacles used to supply ability to the pumps and motors of spas and pools must be at to the lowest degree 10ft away from the pool if without GFCI. If the receptacle is GFCI protected, it can exist located no closer than 6ft.
Calorie-free fixtures located outdoors practice not require GFCI protection.
Low voltage lite fixtures should not be whatsoever nearer than 5ft to indoorwater structures like spas and pools.
Telephone and other types ofwiring should be located at least 10ft away from the top of thewater surface of indoorwater structures.
Undergroundwiring must be covered with conduit.
Cached undergcircular or exposedwiring must always be listed for its utilize. UF cable type is best known for underground purposes as it tin be dug and settled undergcircular without the utilize of a conduit.
Wiring carrying equal to or less than 30 volts must exist located 6 inches deep underground.

What size wire goes from meter to panel?

AWG4 in copper is the usual size to use. The panel is also known equally the billow box. You lot will need a sturdy and well-insulated wire to forbid loss of current and accidents in this area. You will need both a ground wire and a neutral wire running from the meter box. The neutral wire will improve the effectiveness of the circuit and push dorsum any straying current back into the circuit. The ground wire is run for protective measures to forestall the current fluctuations from damaging the excursion wiring. For this purpose, you can use AWG4 in copper material.

What size wire practise I demand for a 200 amp panel?

You lot're going to need something thick and durable for something of this voltage. This is why information technology'southward best to stick to AWG2 in copper or AWG4 in aluminum material for a 200 amp service. For something slightly lower like 150amps, AWG1 in copper and AWG2 in aluminum.

What size copper wire is good for 400 amps?

For 400 amp service, you will demand 400AWG or 350copper amps between the pole and the new electrical service and excursion breaker box. For a 400 amp service, you will require a size three conduit. Don't fret! Using a service of this size should exist no different for y'all cost-wise.

Is 400 amp service enough for you?

This should be more than than plenty for small and medium-sized homes. Information technology is ideal for larger homes with many electric appliances and cooling devices similar air conditioners or heating appliances. A 400 amp service is recommended where the heat load exceeds 20000 watts.

What'southward the difference between stranded and solidwire?

Solid and stranded versions come across a lot of employ in electrical equipment, but how are they dissimilar? A solid type consists of a unmarried solid cadre wire. The stranded type consists of an assembly of thinner wires.

Stranded wires are more flexible since they consist of many smaller sub-parts. It is also significantly more malleable and does not split or go damaged in devices and control panels. They are oft used in minor and cramped spaces where sub-parts must be connected and fit together regardless of the awkward positions.

The solid type is thicker and platonic for spaces requiring high durability and heavy electric current. This tin includeporch areas and backyards. Information technology can fifty-fifty be gear up in thegarage where you demand to power heavy equipment likedrillprintinges and chainsaws. The thick size and high resistance to conditions conditions hateful information technology can be used widely in the electric parts of vehicles and largebuildings.

What is the difference betwixt MCB and FUSE? Which is meliorate?

Both of these are used as safety nets to completely terminate the flow of the circuit if there is an overload. However, there are some differences between the ii.

The biggest difference between the two is a fuse is a cocky-destructingmetallic slice. It melts when there is an overload to protect the circuit. A Miniature excursionbreaker has a switch that trips when there is an overflow of current or a fault.

It essentially means that a fuse volition have to be replaced every time there is an overload. An MCB can be used again and again. Another disadvantage of the fuse is that it doesn't indicate an overload and must be checked every time.

The working principles of the fuse and MCB are too very different. While a fuse detects thermal and electrical properties, an MCB works on electromagnetic principles.

A fuse is significantly cheaper than an MCB. It is ideal for homeowners who crave ainexpensive, depression-breaking capacity pick.

Therefore a Miniature excursionbreaker ispreferable over a fuse for your abode.

How do you read wire size charts?

Discover out the requirement of amps.

You lot're going to have to work out the voltage requirement. This gene is essential in determining the thickness of wires you'll demand in the project. This will be calculated using the number of devices and their respective volts.
Find the ideal blazon of wiring.

When it comes to the blazon of wiring, at that place are enough of options in the market. You can go the cheaper road with aluminum or cull the more sturdy and high current-carrying copper. Some people even choose precious silvery in some places. While aluminum is more flexible, copper is tougher.
Read a wire size chart using the higher up values.

In the row section, look for the textile. It can either be copper or aluminum. In the column section, look for the voltage department to find the ampacity you require for your projection. Later you accept done this, look for the intersection of the ii. You'll hands find the wire size or AWG you need to buy. Voila! Yous're one step closer to becoming an electrical proficient!

Information technology is an essential skill if yous're just getting into electrical wiring and systems know-how. Now you know the basic steps to reading an online wire size chart.

Read a wire size chart using the above values.