What Size Aluminum Wire For 150 Amp Service

Knowing which size to pick is important, so yous tin use the right one for your equipment that requires electricity. If this is your first time reading about the topic, we encompass some basic things to know about it.

In a hurry? Buying recommendations

We've got y'all covered if you lot want to buy a circuit billow or a sub-panel. We can also assistance 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 chart to ensure safety.

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A Dominion of Thumb: What are the correctwireast sizes for lxx toAmp Service &Breakers?

What electrical components do I need for a project? The rule of pollex that techs volition usually go by is that for alxx amp excursion breaker, 4-gauge copper wireis the right 1 to go with. For anlxxxamp, you need a 4-gauge copperwire. For a100amp service, you will need a ane-gaugeastwardwirdue east.

For125 amps, y'all will demand a ane-gauge copperwireastward. For150amp, you will need a one/0-size copperwireastward. For a 200 amp service, you will need a 250 kcmil-gauge copper wire. For a 400 amp service, y'all will need a 600 kcmil-estimate copper wire. For 600 amp, you will need a 1500 kcmil-gaugeastwardwire.

It's of import to realize that these rules of thumb come with certain limitations, such equally the material and the ambient temperature.

We'll go into it and share a wire ampacity rating nautical chart for people who know what a gauge is and its importance. Use it to figure out what it is that yous demand. Curl down a trivial bit.

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

The chart below canshow you the wire size for 70, lxxx, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 600amp of service. Gyre downward the page a picayune bit further.

Tabular array of content

A Rule of Thumb
Amounts
What is agauge?
Choosing the right one
What happens when you cull the incorrect 1
But if you notice yourself having the incorrect one, here are the things that might happen.
Standardwiregaugeast chart

A Dominion of Thumb

We encourage you to look at the chart below to find the correct products for your project. There are general rules of pollex that techs go by, which we accept included in the chart.

We've got the chart you need to run into the electric cable requirements for aluminum and copper.

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

Thousandroundwire, service archway, circuit,breaker size chart rating
Service or Feeder Rating (amp)	Aluminum conductor	Copper usher
70	#two AWG	#4 AWG
80	#1 AWG	#three AWG
100	#ane/0 AWG	#1 AWG
125	#3/0 AWG	#one/0 AWG
150	#4/0 AWG	#iii/0 AWG
200	350 kcmil	250 kcmil
300	700 kcmil	500 kcmil
400	ane,250 kcmil	750 kcmil
600	2,000 kcmil (194°F)	1,500 kcmil (167°F)

Amounts

Suppose you are unsure of which blazon of material you are dealing with or don't know the correct temperature. We always suggest erring on the side of caution. For that reason, our recommendations will e'er suggest a safety selection given the ambient temperature. It's always improve to cull a bigger diameter if you lot are unsure about any weather that could influence the operation.

60amp

Every bit you tin can encounter, you will desire a six judge wire for threescore amp. If you're more cautious, a four AWG is keen. That is assuming the correct conditions, such equally temperature.

Let's say you take an 8-gauge and a 10-rated lying acircular at abode. You want to know if yous can use these with the excursionpauseer. The viii-gauge nor the 10-gaugeastward can be coupled with thisbreaker. Merely have a wait at the chart further down the page.

70amp

For 70amp, the rightwireast is either agaugeast threealuminum or agauge 4 copper. That is, assuming there aren't other factors impacting the performance.

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

80amp wire size

The right 80amp wire size is agauge iv copperwire. 80 amp service will need to be a 2 AWG if you are going foraluminum instead. Be sure you get the correct one for your subpanel andinterruptioner!

What size wire for 100 amp service?

The right100amp wire size is a 1-gauge. However, that is simply if you don't consider the fabric. We'll go into a little fleck more detail below.

You demand to go a gauge i made of aluminum for a sub-console, whereas a 3 volition work if information technology is copper. Information technology applies to both a breaker & sub-panel. These recommendations are based on conductor temperature ratings of 167°F.

Be certain to consider the table below to see the various products we recommend for sub-panels and entrance cables. When you click on the table, you may accept to make the right choice to follow the electric recommendations provided.

Proper noun

Best service wire

WindyNation

Best transfer switch

Xantrex 81-2010-12

Best breaker

Motion-picture show

Best sub console

Picture

Best service wire

Picture

Best transfer switch

Picture

125amp

The rightwireastward size for 125amp service is agauge one copper or a two/0aluminum to be on the safety side. Await at the table below to see the sub panel andinterruptioner we recommend for 125 amps of service.

Product

Best billow box

Breaker box

Best wire

Best breaker box

B01F76VJ3I

150amp

For 150amp, you need a 3/0wirdue east size fabricated ofaluminum. Otherwise, a i/0 is thesmallest you can get with when looking at copper.

Suppose you have a circuitinterruptioner at habitation with this rating, and y'all would like to apply it.

You volition need one/0-gauge copper at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 2/0-gaugealuminum at an ambient temperature of 194°F.

What size wire for 200 amp service?

The right 200 amp wire size is 250 made of aluminum or a iii/0 fabricated of copper. Hither's a table with the unlike sub-panel andbreakers we recommend for thisability level.

Name

Best sub console

Siemens W0202MB1200CU

Best transfer switch

Siemens DTGNF224NR

Best breaker

Pic

All-time sub panel

Picture

Best wire

Picture

Best transfer switch

Moving-picture show

300amp

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

What size wire for 400 amp service?

The right 400amp wire size requires analuminumwire size of k kcmil. In dissimilarity, a copper 600 kcmil tin can handle that amount of power. Take a look at the NEC electrical cable chart below.

600amp

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

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

	Maxamp for	Aluminum	Maxamp for	Copper		Our recommendation
WireastwardGaugeastward	167°F	194°F	140°F	167°F	194°F
xiv	—	—	20	20	25	20
12	20	25	25	25	30	20
10	30	35	30	35	40	thirty
8	forty	45	40	l	55	twoscore
6	50	sixty	55	65	75	fifty
iv	65	75	seventy	85	95	65
iii	75	85	85	100	110	75
2	ninety	100	95	115	130	90
one	100	115	110	130	145	100
1/0	120	135	125	150	170	120
two/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 production. This determines how much electrical current it can safely carry. If you lot have e'er been to the electrical section of a hardwarestore, you lot will notice it comes in several options.

Instead of referring to its actual thickness, people use its gauge. 6 and 4 are only some of the numbers you'll encounter. Yous could also come across gauges like 1/0, two/0, and iii/0.

Information technology is inversely proportional to the bore. It means the higher the number, thepocket-sizeder the diameter. If it is not written on the product itself or is unclear, y'all can utilise a thickness tool to determine it. Getting the right diameter is important because it determines the maximum electric current it can safely handle. Using an incorrect one could lead to serious problems in the long run. So before deciding which to purchase, consider how much electrical current it tin handle by identifying the devices you will use.

The United States and 65 othercountries apply the AWG as the unit of measurement of measure. Other countries use the Regal Standard, divers by the British Board of Merchandise.

Make certain to read ii of our other resources on Thermo King alarm codes and an in-depth look atweldinggas orwelding spectacles.

Choosing the right one

They ordinarily burn down if y'all use the wrong ane. Information technology is advisable to know the right ane toprevent this from happening. The bad thing is that about people are non aware that your selection makes a divergence. People often brand the connections themselves without consulting or calling a licensed electrician. Information technology could pb to serious issues when done incorrectly.

When the setup involves the circuitintermissioner, you should take actressprecautions. Installing the right components will greatlyprevent common problems from happening. In most cases, issues arise because of an incorrect one. The different electrical components always need to be compatible with ane some other.

If you have a 60amp circuitbreaker for yourwaterestruser, read the next section every bit nosotros guide you to empathise the basics. We'll ensure you know which products go with your dressdryer orair conditioner.

What happens when y'all cull the wrong one

It is a common misconception for people to think that as long every bit the ends of thewirdue east fit a connector, at that place will exist no issues. It is not the example for circuitinterruptioners. People unaware of their importance often employ too small gauges to connect their circuit breakers. Smaller diameter ones are cheaper than the bigger ones. Unaware people often get for the cheaper ones, thinking it volition not make whatever difference. Sadly, it will only cost them more than in the long run.

Using a larger i for your circuitintermissioner is oftentimes the best manner to go. The simply negative consequence this has is your upkeep, which will cost you more than upfront. When picking a larger one, yous spend more than what you may demand. All the same, information technology volition not cause whatever impairment to your circuitbreaker. Instead, it tin better handle the electrical current flowing through it.

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

Consequences
Drop-in operation	Melted insulation
Burn down	Damaged equipment

A drop in operation

If you lot connect appliances to a circuitbreaker using too small one, achieving height efficiency may be impossible. The appliances tin only receive a office of the energy required to operate at top functioning. In effect, your appliances volition be unlikely to reach their optimal performance.

You may have a 15amp circuitsuspensioner that y'all need to apply for light fixtures at habitation. At best, using anything less than the recommended xiv-gauge could lead to functioning bug. For electric furnaces, you need at least a 4 because of the amount of current they consume.

Make sure to come across what the requirement are, whether you 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 get-go a fire

Incorrect wire size and amp rating causing burning wire

Fire is the worst-case caused past a called-for electric component that starts. Although modern circuit breakers accept rubber measures, they may non be enough if the load is too much.

A common safety measure out formodern circuitbreakers is the trip mechanism. When the circuitpauseer experiences an overload, it will trip to cutting the current from passing through. Information technology helpsprevent whatever harm from happening. However, having a trip mechanism does not fullyprevent a fire from happening.

Melted insulation

Asmaller diameter can handle less current, making them more than resistant to energy period. If the diameter is way smaller for your circuit breaker, the current flowing is more than it can handle. Due to high resistance, heat generates and volition eventually atomic number 82 to melting.

Damage to the equipment

Aside from performance drop bug and the possibility of starting a burn, using asmaller one may damage your equipment. When the power supply is non stable, it may bosom your equipment.

Standard wire gauge chart

You lot should know that it is important to have a licensed electrician handle any electrical piece of work. Information technology helps to know some bones electrical things, such equally the rightgauge. The nautical chart electricians use every bit their reference will differ depending on the region.

Using astandard measurement instrument is easy to answer your questions about the product's diameter. We use the AWG organisation in the United States to determine it. The AWG defines the diameter of solid circular wires, otherwise known as the gauge. Given the various weather condition, the capacity is the highest current it can handle. The textile it was made from, and the ambient temperature is of import factors.

When referring to the table below, note that the AWG value is opposite to the diameter. A higher AWG refers to asmaller diameter. It ways an eight-gauge can support a higher capacity than a ten. The chart below defines the diameter in inches and millimeters. The chart should help determine which one to cull.

The 1 with the largest diameter is the 0000, while thesmallest is the 40. The quondam lets more energy flow through information technology at any given time than thesmaller ones volition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Permit us look at other queries and questions that commonly pop up in electrical work.

Wire versus Cablevision

Both of the to a higher place terms may seem interchangeable to many folks, only few know the significance of each. The bones 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 bare or has a PVC blanket on top to protect and prevent accidents.

The wire unit is thegaugeastward or thickness we take referred to higher up. In the case of the cable, the measuring unit of measurement is the total number ofwires a cable consists of and their thickness.

Wires carry pocket-size electrical loads and transmit telecommunication signals and other modest parts similar bulbs and vehicle parts. On the other hand, the cables ship huge loads of electric currents.

The cable types include coaxial cable and twisted pair cable. Information technology can also include multi-conductor cablevision and fiber-optic cable. A multi-conductor table means joining many dissimilar cables. Its goal is to reduce noise and cantankerous-talk. Coaxial cables consist of two conductors running parallel to them, one inside and 1 exterior. These are mostly used in televisions. You'll generally find the twisted pair type wherever information and telecommunications transportation is required. Since the twisting of the two conductors reduces noise, information technology is perfect for transmitting information signals through long distances.

Is it 'Gauge' or 'AWG'?

AmericanWireGaugeastward is often referred to as AWG. It is the standard used in almost of North America and refers to thickness. It is used to denote the electric current carrying chapters of the wire and the cross-exclusive expanse. Using this standard ways you can buy a 14 AWG wire from two dissimilar vendors. You will find they are the aforementioned thickness. The 'approximate' can be used as a shortened fashion of expressing AWG, but the seller must ever ostend this. Sometimes manufacturers employ the term 'approximate' to market place cables that are certainly non in AWG units.

What is aintermissioner box/sub-panel? What is the departure betwixt a Main Console and Sub-panel?

The main panel is as well known every bit the service archway console. Here the power visitor's current showtime enters the home and is further distributed to the rest of the household. It'south too the starting time safety cyberspace that protects your domicile from any kind of electrical harm or fires. Suppose you suspect any faults in the circuit. You tin directly switch off the main panel and take your dwelling house out of the ability filigree of the electricity supplier.

The sub-panel is like a miniature main panel that doesn't have a direct connection to the power utility company. It feeds off the main console'due south current. Its purpose is quite similar to the main panels in that it protects appliances from shorting or faulting. They too comprise circuit breakers and fuses to discover whatever electricity surcharge and immediately cease the current to avoid fires. But then how are sub-panels different?

Sub-panels are unlike as they take their power from the chief panel. Their main purpose is to help you organize your home's electrical circuit in a manageable manner. You could also employ a sub-panel to avoid overcrowding in the principal console. Overloading is a serious fire hazard. You tin avoid this past distributing your home into the expanse, each having its sub-console.

Subpanels can also isolate certain areas that have different power usage. For example, a garage workshop will put a great load on the main panel with its heavy machinery. You can avoid this by setting up a dissever sub-panel for the garage. You can isolate the area with the problem and plough off the respective area's sub-panel in any brusque or mistake. At the same time, the remainder of the house can remain powered as usual.

What is the difference between Neutral and Earth lines?

The simplest way to explicate the Neutral and world lines is to look at a basic three-pin socket. Each pivot corresponds to Earth, neutral, and phase. While the phase line carries the current, the neutral line makes for the return for balancing the menstruation. The earth line is the prophylactic net during the entire process.

Globe line: The fluctuation of alternating electric current in household or workplace use tin can exist dangerous if non directed elsewhere. That is why the earth line makes certain to take the extra electric current direct into the basis so that no shorts or accidents occur. A rod is used to direct the extra electric current under faulty weather condition. During normal conditions, this line commonly stays electric current-free.

Neutral line: This line is a return path for the alternate electric current, connecting the flow to its origin point. Even though it carries no electric current, the circuit is incomplete without this line. It is also known every bit the nix potential point. The return path provides a mode to make the total of the current zip. In this fashion, both neutral and globe lines are safety lines. Preventive measures are taken to reduce the chances of a short scenario of a faulty current discharge.

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 go along the machinery. It wires dry and in proper working condition. It is too responsible for receiving the supply of current from the power utility visitor and sending information technology to the main power console of the firm. 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 advisable condition is of import for the house to be powered.

Suppose you lot spot any of the following signs. Your meter base may be in trouble, similar flickering lights and devices not working. It could also exist partial outages in the house. If you spot any visible impairment to your meter box and base, information technology likewise may be time for a replacement. Information technology tin include corrosion on the inside or outside due to the weather conditions or torn and cleaved wires. Autonomously from all these conditions, updating meters to standard building and electricity codes is a major reason to go your meter base of operations replaced. It is common for meter boxes to upgrade to a 200A chapters as older homes generally have 60A capacity meters installed. If you have a large home or holding, a 400A capacity meter would be more than appropriate.

What is the National Electrical Code?

The NEC is used as abenchmark for condom electrical installation and inspection in all l Us. It is part of the publication by the National Burn down Protection Association. Although it is non established by federal law, all states commonly follow it.

Basic NEC rules and Codes

Size of excursioninterruptioner: For non-motor loads, the maximum loading for abreaker is cut off at 80%. Nether no circumstances can thebreaker be larger than theampacity unless it is for motor loads.
Full general design guidelines: lights and outlets should be set on different circuits. This will allow maximum loading on light circuits and leave capacity for other outlets.
Outlets circuits must have GFI protection if located in residential locations. Any identify with portable equipment and machinery must also have GFI outlets. This includes whatever garage areas and workshops. Information technology can likewise include shops and warehouses. Each piece of stock-still mechanism like drill presses or welding machines must also accept its GFI-protected circuit.
Service size: The minimum service for a very small building is 100 A and twenty circuits. Information technology is advisable to do load calculations for larger places.
Underground – Use XLP-USE for underground wiring, with AWG copper minimum.
Protecting cables and conduits: Conductors must be within a cord or trench. They can too exist inside a raceway or cable tray.
Outdoor receptacle: Each domicile must have 1 front and one rear receptacle, which is hands accessible. It is brash it should be located no more than 6 and a one-half feet above the footing.
Receptacles used to supply power to the pumps and motors of spas and pools must be at to the lowest degree 10ft abroad from the pool if without GFCI. If the receptacle is GFCI protected, information technology can be located no closer than 6ft.
Lite fixtures located outdoors exercise not require GFCI protection.
Depression voltage light fixtures should not be whatever nearer than 5ft to indoorwater structures like spas and puddles.
Phone and other types ofwiring should be located at least 10ft away from the top of theh2o surface of indoorwater structures.
Undergroundwiring must be covered with conduit.
Cached underground or exposedwiring must always be listed for its use. UF cablevision type is all-time known for undergcircular purposes every bit it can be dug and settled underground without the employ of a conduit.
Wiring conveying equal to or less than thirty volts must exist located 6 inches deep undergcircular.

What size wire goes from meter to panel?

AWG4 in copper is the usual size to use. The panel is as well known equally the breaker box. You lot will need a sturdy and well-insulated wire to prevent 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 ameliorate the effectiveness of the circuit and push button dorsum whatsoever 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, you tin utilise AWG4 in copper material.

What size wire practice I need for a 200 amp console?

You're going to need something thick and durable for something of this voltage. This is why it's best to stick to AWG2 in copper or AWG4 in aluminum cloth 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 need 400AWG or 350copper amps betwixt the pole and the new electrical service and circuit billow box. For a 400 amp service, you volition crave a size iii conduit. Don't fret! Using a service of this size should be no different for you lot cost-wise.

Is 400 amp service enough for you?

This should be more plenty for small 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 difference between stranded and solidwirdue east?

Solid and stranded versions meet a lot of use in electrical equipment, but how are they different? A solid type consists of a single solid core 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 likewise significantly more malleable and does not dissever or get damaged in devices and command panels. They are frequently used in small and cramped spaces where sub-parts must be continued and fit together regardless of the awkward positions.

The solid blazon is thicker and ideal for spaces requiring loftier durability and heavy current. This can includeporch areas and backyards. It tin even exist ready in thegaragdue east where you need to power heavy equipment likedrillprintinges and chainsaws. The thick size and high resistance to weather conditions hateful information technology can be used widely in the electrical parts of vehicles and bigbuildings.

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

Both of these are used equally safety nets to completely cease the catamenia of the circuit if in that location is an overload. However, there are some differences between the ii.

The biggest divergence betwixt the two is a fuse is a cocky-destructingmetallic piece. Information technology melts when there is an overload to protect the circuit. A Miniature circuitpauseer has a switch that trips when at that place is an overflow of current or a error.

It essentially means that a fuse will accept to be replaced every fourth dimension at that place is an overload. An MCB tin can exist used over again and again. Another disadvantage of the fuse is that information technology doesn't signal an overload and must be checked every time.

The working principles of the fuse and MCB are also very unlike. 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 acheap, depression-breaking capacity option.

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

How do you read wire size charts?

Find out the requirement of amps.

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

When information technology comes to the blazon of wiring, there are enough of options in the marketplace. You lot tin become the cheaper road with aluminum or choose the more sturdy and loftier current-conveying copper. Some people even choose precious silver in some places. While aluminum is more flexible, copper is tougher.
Read a wire size chart using the to a higher place values.

In the row section, look for the cloth. Information technology can either be copper or aluminum. In the column department, await for the voltage section to find the ampacity you require for your projection. After you have washed this, look for the intersection of the two. You lot'll easily notice the wire size or AWG you need to purchase. Voila! Yous're one step closer to becoming an electrical expert!

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

Read a wire size chart using the to a higher place values.