What Size Wire For A 100 Amp Service

Knowing which size to selection is important, then you can use the right one for your equipment that requires electricity. If this is your first fourth dimension reading about the topic, we encompass some basic things to know almost it.

In a bustle? Buying recommendations

We've got you covered if you want to purchase a circuit breaker or a sub-panel. We can also help yous with a transfer switch or fuse for your 70 to 600amp service needs. Nosotros've plant all the products we recommend based on NEC'due south nautical chart to ensure safe.

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A Rule of Pollex: What are the rightwire sizes for 70 toAmp Service &Interruptioners?

What electrical components do I need for a project? The rule of thumb that techs will usually get by is that for alxx amp circuit breaker, 4-gauge copper wireis the right i to get with. For an80amp, y'all demand a 4-gauge copperwireast. For a100amp service, y'all will demand a 1-gaugeastwire.

For125 amps, you lot will need a 1-gaugeastward copperwire. For150amp, you volition need a 1/0-size copperwire. For a 200 amp service, you will demand a 250 kcmil-estimate copper wire. For a 400 amp service, you will demand a 600 kcmil-guess copper wire. For 600 amp, you volition need a 1500 kcmil-gaugewirdue east.

Information technology'southward important to realize that these rules of thumb come with certain limitations, such every bit the material and the ambient temperature.

We'll become into it and share a wire ampacity rating chart for people who know what a gauge is and its importance. Utilise information technology to figure out what it is that you need. Curl downward a trivial chip.

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

The chart beneath cantestify you the wireast size for 70, lxxx, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 600amp of service. Scroll down the page a lilliputian bit further.

Table of content

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

A Rule of Pollex

We encourage y'all to look at the chart below to detect the right products for your project. There are general rules of thumb that techs become by, which we take included in the chart.

Nosotros've got the nautical chart you need to meet the electrical 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.

Chiliadcircularwire, service entrance, circuit,interruptioner size chart rating
Service or Feeder Rating (amp)	Aluminum usher	Copper usher
lxx	#2 AWG	#4 AWG
fourscore	#1 AWG	#three AWG
100	#ane/0 AWG	#ane AWG
125	#3/0 AWG	#1/0 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	2,000 kcmil (194°F)	1,500 kcmil (167°F)

Amounts

Suppose y'all are unsure of which type of fabric y'all are dealing with or don't know the correct temperature. We always suggest erring on the side of circumspection. For that reason, our recommendations will always advise a safety choice given the ambience temperature. It's always better to choose a bigger diameter if you are unsure about any conditions that could influence the operation.

threescoreamp

As you tin can meet, y'all will want a 6 approximate wire for 60 amp. If you're more than cautious, a 4 AWG is great. That is bold the right conditions, such as temperature.

Let's say you take an 8-gauge and a x-rated lying around at home. Yous desire to know if you can use these with the excursionbreaker. The 8-gaugdue east nor the 10-gaugeast tin be coupled with thisbreaker. Simply accept a look at the chart further down the page.

seventyamp

For 70amp, the rightwireastward is either agaugeast iiialuminum or agauge 4 copper. That is, assuming in that location aren't other factors impacting the functioning.

The requirement depends on whether aluminum or copper is used and the ambient temperature. For a circuitintermissioner with this rating, you can apply 4-gaugeast copper at an ambient temperature of 140°F.

80amp

If y'all're working with an lxxxamp service, you need agaugdue east 4 copperwire. 80 amp service will need to be a 2 AWG if you are going foraluminum instead. Be sure yous go the right 1 for your subpanel andbreaker!

100amp

The rule of thumb for100amp service is that you go with awiresize 1. However, that is merely if yous don't consider the material. We'll go into a petty bit more particular below.

Yous need to get a estimate ane fabricated of aluminum for a sub-panel, whereas a three volition work if information technology is copper. It applies to both a billow & sub-panel. These recommendations are based on usher temperature ratings of 167°F.

Be sure to consider the tabular array below to run into the various products nosotros recommend for sub-panels and entrance cables. When yous click on the table, you may have to make the correct pick to follow the electrical recommendations provided.

Proper name

Best service wire

WindyNation

Best transfer switch

Xantrex 81-2010-12

All-time breaker

Moving picture

Best sub panel

Picture

Best service wire

Picture

All-time transfer switch

Pic

125amp

The rightwireast for 125amp service is agauge ane copper or a two/0aluminum to exist on the safe side. Wait at the table beneath to see the sub panel andbreaker we recommend for 125 amps of service.

Production

Best breaker box

Breaker box

Best wire

Best billow box

B01F76VJ3I

150amp

For 150amp, you lot need a 3/0wire size made ofaluminum. Otherwise, a 1/0 is theminorest yous can get with when looking at copper.

Suppose y'all have a excursionbreaker at home with this rating, and yous would like to use it.

Y'all will demand 1/0-gauge copper at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 2/0-gaugdue eastaluminum at an ambience temperature of 194°F.

200amp

For 200 amp service, the right wire size is 250 fabricated of aluminum or a 3/0 made of copper. Here's a table with the different sub-panel andbreakers we recommend for thispower level.

Proper noun

All-time sub panel

Siemens W0202MB1200CU

All-time transfer switch

Siemens DTGNF224NR

Best breaker

Picture

All-time sub console

Picture

Best wire

Picture

All-time transfer switch

Picture

300amp

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

400amp

400amp service requires analuminumwire size of g kcmil. In contrast, a copper 600 kcmil can handle that amount of power. Have a look at the NEC electrical cable chart beneath.

600amp

The correctwireastward size for 600amp service is at least 1500 kcmil bold a temperature of 167°F of the conductor.

Fullwire size chart for seventy, 80, 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	20	25	20
12	20	25	25	25	xxx	20
10	30	35	30	35	40	30
8	40	45	twoscore	fifty	55	forty
6	fifty	60	55	65	75	l
4	65	75	seventy	85	95	65
3	75	85	85	100	110	75
2	ninety	100	95	115	130	90
1	100	115	110	130	145	100
1/0	120	135	125	150	170	120
2/0	135	150	145	175	195	135
3/0	155	175	165	200	225	155
four/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 agaugeast?

Thegauge is the diameter of the production. This determines how much electrical current information technology can safely behave. If you have ever been to the electrical section of a hardwarestore, you will discover it comes in several options.

Instead of referring to its actual thickness, people use its estimate. six and 4 are just some of the numbers yous'll come across. Yous could likewise come up across gauges like i/0, 2/0, and iii/0.

Information technology is inversely proportional to the bore. Information technology means the higher the number, thesmaller the diameter. If information technology is non written on the product itself or is unclear, you lot tin utilize a thickness tool to determine it. Getting the right diameter is important because it determines the maximum current it can safely handle. Using an incorrect ane could lead to serious problems in the long run. So before deciding which to buy, consider how much electric current it can handle by identifying the devices yous will use.

The U.s.a. and 65 othercountries apply the AWG as the unit of measure. Other countries use the Imperial Standard, defined by the British Lath of Merchandise.

Make sure to read two of our other resource on Thermo Male monarch alarm codes and an in-depth look atweldinggas orwelding glasses.

Choosing the right ane

They usually burn if you apply the incorrect one. Information technology is advisable to know the correct one toprevent this from happening. The bad matter is that almost people are not aware that your choice makes a divergence. People oftentimes make the connections themselves without consulting or calling a licensed electrician. It could lead to serious bug when done incorrectly.

When the setup involves the circuitbreaker, y'all should take extraprecautions. Installing the right components will greatlyprevent mutual problems from happening. In most cases, issues ascend considering of an wrong ane. The different electrical components always need to be compatible with 1 some other.

If you lot have a lxamp circuitpauseer for yourwateroestruser, read the adjacent section every bit we guide you to empathise the basics. We'll ensure you know which products go with your clothesdryer orair conditioner.

What happens when you cull the incorrect i

Information technology is a common misconception for people to recall that as long equally the ends of thewire fit a connector, at that place will exist no issues. It is not the case for circuitbreakers. People unaware of their importance often use likewise 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 information technology will not make any difference. Sadly, it volition simply cost them more than in the long run.

Using a larger one for your circuitsuspensioner is often the best way to go. The only negative effect this has is your budget, which will toll you lot more than upfront. When picking a larger one, you spend more than what you may demand. Even so, it will not cause whatsoever impairment to your excursionintermissioner. Instead, it tin better handle the electric current flowing through it.

Simply if you lot find yourself having the wrong one, here are the things that might happen.

Consequences
Driblet-in performance	Melted insulation
Fire	Damaged equipment

A drib in performance

If yous connect appliances to a circuitbreaker using too small one, achieving superlative efficiency may be impossible. The appliances can only receive a part of the energy required to operate at peak performance. In result, your appliances will be unlikely to achieve their optimal performance.

Y'all may accept a 15amp circuitbreaker that y'all demand to use for low-cal fixtures at home. At best, using anything less than the recommended 14-guess could lead to functioning issues. For electric furnaces, you demand at least a 4 because of the amount of current they consume.

Make sure to see what the requirement are, whether you lot are welding or powering ametal lathe. If not, you might be using the wrongcord. It could lead to suboptimal performance, at all-time.

It can starting time a burn down

Incorrect wire size and amp rating causing burning wire

Fire is the worst-example caused by a burning electric component that starts. Although modern circuit breakers accept safety measures, they may not be enough if the load is too much.

A common safety measure formodern circuitbreakers is the trip machinery. When the circuitinterruptioner experiences an overload, information technology will trip to cut the current from passing through. It helpsprevent any impairment from happening. However, having a trip mechanism does non fullyprevent a burn from happening.

Melted insulation

Apocket-sizeer diameter can handle less current, making them more resistant to free energy flow. If the diameter is mode smaller for your circuit breaker, the current flowing is more than information technology can handle. Due to loftier resistance, heat generates and volition eventually lead to melting.

Damage to the equipment

Aside from performance drop issues and the possibility of starting a fire, using aminorer one may damage your equipment. When the power supply is not stable, it may bosom your equipment.

Standard wire gauge chart

Y'all should know that it is of import to have a licensed electrician handle any electrical work. It helps to know some basic electrical things, such as the correctgauge. The nautical chart electricians use as their reference will differ depending on the region.

Using astandard measurement instrument is easy to answer your questions most the product's diameter. We use the AWG arrangement in the United States to determine it. The AWG defines the diameter of solid round wires, otherwise known every bit the gauge. Given the various weather, the capacity is the highest current information technology can handle. The cloth it was made from, and the ambient temperature is important factors.

When referring to the table below, note that the AWG value is opposite to the diameter. A higher AWG refers to aminorer diameter. It ways an eight-gauge can back up a higher capacity than a 10. The chart below defines the diameter in inches and millimeters. The nautical chart should assistance determine which one to choose.

The ane with the largest diameter is the 0000, while thesmallest is the 40. The former lets more energy menstruation through information technology at any given fourth dimension than thepocket-sizeer ones will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allow us look at other queries and questions that commonly pop up in electric piece of work.

Wire versus Cablevision

Both of the above terms may seem interchangeable to many folks, merely 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 normally goes blank or has a PVC coating on acme to protect and forbid accidents.

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

Wires comport small electrical loads and transmit telecommunication signals and other modest parts like bulbs and vehicle parts. On the other hand, the cables transport huge loads of electric currents.

The cable types include coaxial cable and twisted pair cable. It can too include multi-usher cable and cobweb-optic cable. 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, 1 inside and one exterior. These are generally used in televisions. You'll generally find the twisted pair type wherever information and telecommunication transportation is required. Since the twisting of the two conductors reduces noise, information technology is perfect for transmitting data signals through long distances.

Is it 'Gauge' or 'AWG'?

AmericanWirdue eastGauge is often referred to as AWG. It is the standard used in well-nigh of N America and refers to thickness. It is used to announce the electric current conveying capacity of the wire and the cross-sectional area. Using this standard means you can purchase a fourteen AWG wire from two dissimilar vendors. You lot will observe they are the same thickness. The 'gauge' tin be used as a shortened way of expressing AWG, but the seller must always confirm this. Sometimes manufacturers employ the term 'guess' to market cables that are certainly not in AWG units.

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

The main panel is also known equally the service entrance panel. Here the power company'due south electric current get-go enters the home and is further distributed to the rest of the household. It'southward also the first safety net that protects your home from any kind of electrical harm or fires. Suppose you doubtable any faults in the excursion. You can straight switch off the primary console and take your habitation out of the ability grid of the electricity supplier.

The sub-console is like a miniature main panel that doesn't accept a directly connection to the power utility company. It feeds off the main panel'southward current. Its purpose is quite similar to the main panels in that it protects appliances from shorting or faulting. They as well comprise circuit breakers and fuses to detect any electricity surcharge and immediately finish the current to avert fires. But then how are sub-panels unlike?

Sub-panels are different as they take their power from the main console. Their primary purpose is to help you organize your habitation'south electrical circuit in a manageable style. Yous could also employ a sub-panel to avert overcrowding in the main console. Overloading is a serious fire chance. You lot can avert this past distributing your home into the area, each having its sub-panel.

Subpanels tin also isolate certain areas that take different power usage. For instance, a garage workshop volition put a great load on the main panel with its heavy machinery. Yous can avert this by setting upwardly a separate sub-panel for the garage. You can isolate the area with the trouble and plow off the corresponding area's sub-panel in any short or fault. At the same time, the residuum of the house tin remain powered as usual.

What is the difference between Neutral and Earth lines?

The simplest way to explicate the Neutral and globe lines is to look at a bones three-pin socket. Each pin corresponds to World, neutral, and phase. While the phase line carries the electric current, the neutral line makes for the return for balancing the flow. The globe line is the safety net during the unabridged process.

Earth line: The fluctuation of alternating electric current in household or workplace use can be dangerous if not directed elsewhere. That is why the globe line makes sure to accept the extra current directly into the ground and then that no shorts or accidents occur. A rod is used to direct the extra current under faulty conditions. During normal weather, this line unremarkably stays electric current-costless.

Neutral line: This line is a return path for the alternating current, connecting the menses to its origin point. Fifty-fifty though it carries no current, the circuit is incomplete without this line. It is also known as the zero potential point. The return path provides a way to brand the total of the electric current zero. In this way, both neutral and earth lines are safety lines. Preventive measures are taken to reduce the chances of a short scenario of a faulty current belch.

What is a base of operations meter? When is information technology fourth dimension for a replacement?

A base meter is a protective enclosure acircular the electric meter to keep the machinery. Information technology wires dry and in proper working condition. It is besides responsible for receiving the supply of current from the power utility company and sending it to the primary power panel of the house. Although the ability 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 exist powered.

Suppose y'all spot any of the following signs. Your meter base of operations may be in trouble, similar flickering lights and devices not working. Information technology could also be partial outages in the business firm. If yous spot any visible impairment to your meter box and base of operations, it also may be time for a replacement. It can include corrosion on the inside or exterior due to the weather conditions or torn and broken wires. Apart from all these conditions, updating meters to standard building and electricity codes is a major reason to get your meter base of operations replaced. Information technology is common for meter boxes to upgrade to a 200A capacity as older homes more often than not accept 60A chapters meters installed. If you accept a large dwelling house or property, a 400A capacity meter would be more than advisable.

What is the National Electrical Code?

The NEC is used as abenchmark for safe electrical installation and inspection in all 50 Us of America. It is role of the publication by the National Fire Protection Association. Although it is non established by federal police, all states commonly follow it.

Bones NEC rules and Codes

Size of excursionsuspensioner: For non-motor loads, the maximum loading for abreaker is cut off at fourscore%. Under no circumstances tin thebreaker be larger than theampacity unless information technology is for motor loads.
General pattern guidelines: lights and outlets should be gear up on different circuits. This will let maximum loading on light circuits and leave chapters for other outlets.
Outlets circuits must have GFI protection if located in residential locations. Any place with portable equipment and mechanism must also have GFI outlets. This includes any garage areas and workshops. It can as well include shops and warehouses. Each piece of stock-still machinery like drill presses or welding machines must besides have its GFI-protected excursion.
Service size: The minimum service for a very pocket-size building is 100 A and 20 circuits. It is advisable to do load calculations for larger places.
Underground – Use XLP-USE for hush-hush wiring, with AWG copper minimum.
Protecting cables and conduits: Conductors must be inside a string or trench. They tin can too be inside a raceway or cable tray.
Outdoor receptacle: Each habitation must take ane front and one rear receptacle, which is easily attainable. It is advised it should be located no more than than half dozen and a half feet above the basis.
Receptacles used to supply power to the pumps and motors of spas and pools must exist at least 10ft abroad from the pool if without GFCI. If the receptacle is GFCI protected, it can be located no closer than 6ft.
Calorie-free fixtures located outdoors do not crave GFCI protection.
Low voltage low-cal fixtures should not be any nearer than 5ft to indoorwater structures similar spas and pooldue south.
Phone 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.
Buried undergcircular or exposedwiring must always exist listed for its use. UF cable type is best known for undergcircular purposes every bit it tin can be dug and settled undergcircular without the use of a conduit.
Wiring carrying equal to or less than 30 volts must exist located six inches deep underground.

What size wire goes from meter to panel?

AWG4 in copper is the usual size to use. The panel is besides known as the billow box. Yous will need a sturdy and well-insulated wire to prevent loss of electric current and accidents in this expanse. You will demand both a footing wire and a neutral wire running from the meter box. The neutral wire will ameliorate the effectiveness of the circuit and push back whatever straying current back into the circuit. The ground wire is run for protective measures to preclude the electric current fluctuations from damaging the excursion wiring. For this purpose, y'all can employ AWG4 in copper material.

What size wire exercise I need for a 200 amp panel?

You're going to need something thick and durable for something of this voltage. This is why information technology'due south 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 skillful for 400 amps?

For 400 amp service, yous will need 400AWG or 350copper amps betwixt the pole and the new electrical service and circuit breaker box. For a 400 amp service, you volition require a size 3 conduit. Don't fret! Using a service of this size should be no different for y'all cost-wise.

Is 400 amp service enough for you?

This should exist more enough for minor and medium-sized homes. It is ideal for larger homes with many electrical appliances and cooling devices like air conditioners or heating appliances. A 400 amp service is recommended where the heat load exceeds 20000 watts.

What's the divergence between stranded and solidwire?

Solid and stranded versions see a lot of use in electrical equipment, just 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. Information technology is besides significantly more malleable and does non split or go damaged in devices and control panels. They are ofttimes used in small and cramped spaces where sub-parts must exist connected and fit together regardless of the bad-mannered positions.

The solid type is thicker and ideal for spaces requiring high durability and heavy electric current. This tin includeporch areas and backyards. It can even be prepare upwards in thegarage where you need to ability heavy equipment likedrillpresses and chainsaws. The thick size and loftier resistance to weather conditions hateful it tin can be used widely in the electric parts of vehicles and largebuildings.

What is the difference between MCB and FUSE? Which is better?

Both of these are used as condom nets to completely stop the menstruation of the circuit if there is an overload. Nevertheless, there are some differences between the 2.

The biggest divergence between the two is a fuse is a self-destructingmetal piece. It melts when there is an overload to protect the circuit. A Miniature circuitbreaker has a switch that trips when there is an overflow of current or a fault.

It substantially means that a fuse will take to be replaced every time at that place is an overload. An MCB can be used once more and again. Another disadvantage of the fuse is that it doesn't indicate an overload and must exist checked every fourth dimension.

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

A fuse is significantly cheaper than an MCB. Information technology is ideal for homeowners who require acheap, low-breaking capacity option.

Therefore a Miniature excursionpauseer ispreferable over a fuse for your domicile.

How practice you read wire size charts?

Find out the requirement of amps.

You're going to accept to piece of work out the voltage requirement. This factor is essential in determining the thickness of wires you'll need in the project. This volition be calculated using the number of devices and their corresponding volts.
Find the ideal type of wiring.

When it comes to the type of wiring, at that place are plenty of options in the market. Y'all tin can go the cheaper route with aluminum or choose the more than sturdy and loftier current-carrying copper. Some people even choose precious argent in some places. While aluminum is more flexible, copper is tougher.
Read a wire size chart using the above values.

In the row section, look for the fabric. It tin either be copper or aluminum. In the column section, wait for the voltage department to find the ampacity yous require for your project. Later you lot take done this, wait for the intersection of the two. Y'all'll easily find the wire size or AWG you need to purchase. Voila! You're one step closer to becoming an electrical expert!

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

Read a wire size nautical chart using the above values.