What Size Wire For A 100 Amp Sub Panel

Knowing which size to option is of import, then you can use the right ane for your equipment that requires electricity. If this is your start time reading about the topic, we embrace some basic things to know nearly it.

In a hurry? Buying recommendations

We've got yous covered if you desire to buy a excursion breaker or a sub-panel. Nosotros tin also assist you lot with a transfer switch or fuse for your 70 to 600amp service needs. We've found all the products nosotros recommend based on NEC'south nautical chart to ensure safety.

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

What electric components do I need for a projection? The rule of pollex that techs volition ordinarily go by is that for a70 amp circuit breaker, 4-gauge copper wireis the right 1 to go with. For anfourscoreamp, you need a 4-gauge copperwireast. For a100amp service, you lot will need a i-gaugdue eastwirdue east.

For125 amps, you volition demand a 1-gaugdue east copperwire. For150amp, you will need a i/0-size copperwire. For a 200 amp service, you lot will need a 250 kcmil-gauge copper wire. For a 400 amp service, yous will need a 600 kcmil-gauge copper wire. For 600 amp, y'all will demand a 1500 kcmil-gaugdue eastwire.

It's important to realize that these rules of thumb come with certain limitations, such as the textile 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 effigy out what information technology is that you demand. Scroll down a little scrap.

This article was fabricated due to the popularity of our original article. Choosing the right string is crucial whether doing gasless MIGwelding orweldingaluminum. Any electric activity has certain requirements.

The chart beneath canshow you the wireast size for seventy, fourscore, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 600amp of service. Scroll down the page a lilliputian scrap further.

Table of content

A Rule of Thumb
Amounts
What is agaugeast?
Choosing the correct one
What happens when yous cull the wrong 1
But if you find yourself having the incorrect 1, hither are the things that might happen.
Standardwireastgauge nautical chart

A Rule of Thumb

Nosotros encourage you to await at the chart below to find the right products for your projection. There are general rules of thumb that techs get by, which we have included in the nautical chart.

We've got the chart yous need to see 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 310.16.

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

Amounts

Suppose you are unsure of which type of material you are dealing with or don't know the correct temperature. We e'er suggest erring on the side of caution. For that reason, our recommendations will always advise a condom option given the ambient temperature. It's ever ameliorate to cull a bigger bore if you are unsure virtually whatsoever conditions that could influence the performance.

60amp

As yous can see, you volition desire a half dozen gauge wire for lx amp. If y'all're more than cautious, a four AWG is keen. That is assuming the right conditions, such as temperature.

Allow'south say you have an 8-gaugeast and a x-rated lying around at home. Y'all want to know if you can utilize these with the circuitbreaker. The 8-gauge nor the x-gaugeast can be coupled with thisbreaker. Only take a look at the chart further down the page.

70amp

For 70amp, the correctwire is either agauge 3aluminum or agauge 4 copper. That is, bold in that location aren't other factors impacting the performance.

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

80amp

If you're working with an fourscoreamp service, you demand agaugdue east 4 copperwire. fourscore amp service will need to be a two AWG if you are going foraluminum instead. Be sure you get the correct ane for your subpanel andintermissioner!

100amp

The rule of pollex for100amp service is that you lot get with awireastwardsize 1. Still, that is only if you don't consider the material. We'll go into a piddling bit more item below.

Y'all need to become a gauge i fabricated of aluminum for a sub-panel, whereas a iii volition work if it is copper. Information technology applies to both a billow & sub-panel. These recommendations are based on conductor temperature ratings of 167°F.

Be sure to consider the table below to see the diverse products we recommend for sub-panels and entrance cables. When you click on the table, you may have to make the right selection to follow the electric recommendations provided.

Name

Best service wire

WindyNation

All-time transfer switch

Xantrex 81-2010-12

Best breaker

Picture

Best sub panel

Picture

Best service wire

Pic

Best transfer switch

Picture

125amp

The rightwire for 125amp service is agauge 1 copper or a two/0aluminum to be on the safe side. Expect at the tabular array below to run into the sub console andbreaker nosotros recommend for 125 amps of service.

Production

Best breaker box

Breaker box

All-time wire

All-time breaker box

B01F76VJ3I

150amp

For 150amp, you need a three/0wireastward size made ofaluminum. Otherwise, a one/0 is thesmallest you lot can go with when looking at copper.

Suppose yous accept a circuitbreaker at home with this rating, and you would similar to utilise it.

You will need 1/0-gauge copper at an ambience temperature of 167°F or 2/0-gaugeastaluminum at an ambient temperature of 194°F.

200amp

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

Name

Best sub panel

Siemens W0202MB1200CU

Best transfer switch

Siemens DTGNF224NR

Best billow

Film

Best sub panel

Picture

Best wire

Pic

Best transfer switch

Picture

300amp

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

400amp

400amp service requires analuminumwire size of g kcmil. In contrast, a copper 600 kcmil tin handle that amount of power. Take a look at the NEC electrical cable nautical chart below.

600amp

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

Fullwireastward size chart for lxx, lxxx, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, & 600amp

	Maxamp for	Aluminum	Maxamp for	Copper		Our recommendation
WireGauge	167°F	194°F	140°F	167°F	194°F
xiv	—	—	20	20	25	20
12	20	25	25	25	thirty	xx
10	xxx	35	thirty	35	xl	30
8	40	45	40	50	55	twoscore
6	l	sixty	55	65	75	fifty
four	65	75	70	85	95	65
3	75	85	85	100	110	75
2	90	100	95	115	130	90
1	100	115	110	130	145	100
ane/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
m	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 can safely carry. If you take ever been to the electric department of a hardwarestore, you will discover it comes in several options.

Instead of referring to its actual thickness, people use its gauge. 6 and 4 are just some of the numbers you'll encounter. Y'all could also come up across gauges like one/0, 2/0, and iii/0.

It is inversely proportional to the diameter. It means the higher the number, thesmaller the bore. If information technology is not written on the production itself or is unclear, y'all can use a thickness tool to determine it. Getting the right bore is important because it determines the maximum current information technology can safely handle. Using an incorrect one could atomic number 82 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 lot will use.

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

Brand sure to read ii of our other resources on Thermo Male monarch alarm codes and an in-depth look atweldinggas orwelding glasses.

Choosing the correct one

They usually burn if you utilise the wrong one. Information technology is advisable to know the correct one toprevent this from happening. The bad affair is that about people are non enlightened that your pick makes a difference. People often brand the connections themselves without consulting or calling a licensed electrician. Information technology could lead to serious issues when done incorrectly.

When the setup involves the circuitsuspensioner, you should take extraprecautions. Installing the right components will profoundlyprevent common issues from happening. In most cases, issues arise because of an incorrect one. The unlike electrical components always need to be uniform with one another.

If you lot take a 60amp circuitbreaker for yourwaterheater, read the next section as we guide yous to understand the basics. We'll ensure y'all know which products become with your clothesdryer orair conditioner.

What happens when you choose the wrong one

It is a mutual misconception for people to call up that as long as the ends of thewire fit a connector, in that location will be no issues. Information technology is not the case for circuitbreakers. People unaware of their importance oftentimes 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 information technology will non make any difference. Sadly, information technology volition simply cost them more in the long run.

Using a larger one for your excursionbreaker is often the all-time way to go. The only negative result this has is your upkeep, which will cost you more upfront. When picking a larger one, y'all spend more than what you may demand. However, information technology will not cause any damage to your circuitinterruptioner. Instead, it can 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 performance	Melted insulation
Fire	Damaged equipment

A drop in functioning

If you connect appliances to a circuitintermissioner using too small ane, achieving acme efficiency may be impossible. The appliances tin just receive a part of the free energy required to operate at peak functioning. In effect, your appliances will exist unlikely to achieve their optimal performance.

You lot may accept a 15amp circuitintermissioner that you need to apply for low-cal fixtures at home. At best, using anything less than the recommended 14-gauge could lead to performance issues. For electrical furnaces, y'all need at least a 4 because of the amount of electric current they consume.

Make sure to see what the requirement are, whether you are welding or powering ametal lathe. If not, y'all might exist using the wrongcord. Information technology could atomic number 82 to suboptimal performance, at best.

Information technology can start a burn

Incorrect wire size and amp rating causing burning wire

Fire is the worst-instance acquired past a burning electrical component that starts. Although modernistic circuit breakers take safety measures, they may non be enough if the load is likewise much.

A common condom mensurate formodern excursionintermissioners is the trip mechanism. When the circuitbreaker experiences an overload, it will trip to cut the current from passing through. It helpsprevent any damage from happening. Notwithstanding, having a trip mechanism does non fullyprevent a fire from happening.

Melted insulation

Apocket-sizeer bore can handle less current, making them more resistant to energy flow. If the diameter is mode smaller for your circuit breaker, the electric current flowing is more than it can handle. Due to high resistance, heat generates and will somewhen lead to melting.

Damage to the equipment

Aside from functioning drop problems and the possibility of starting a fire, using asmaller one may impairment your equipment. When the power supply is not stable, it may bosom your equipment.

Standard wire guess nautical chart

Yous 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 chart electricians apply equally 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 system in the Us to make up one's mind information technology. The AWG defines the diameter of solid round wires, otherwise known as the approximate. Given the various weather condition, the chapters is the highest current information technology tin can handle. The material it was made from, and the ambient temperature is important factors.

When referring to the table beneath, note that the AWG value is opposite to the diameter. A higher AWG refers to asmaller diameter. It ways an 8-gaugdue east can support a higher capacity than a x. The chart below defines the diameter in inches and millimeters. The chart should help determine which i to choose.

The one with the largest diameter is the 0000, while theminorest is the 40. The former lets more energy flow through it at whatsoever given fourth dimension than thesmaller ones will.

Oft Asked Questions

Allow usa look at other queries and questions that commonly pop up in electrical work.

Wire versus Cable

Both of the above 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 unlike conductors grouped. An outer layer of the sheath protects the cables. The wire ordinarily goes blank or has a PVC coating on top to protect and forestall accidents.

The wire unit is thegaugdue east or thickness we take referred to in a higher place. In the case of the cable, the measuring unit of measurement is the total number ofwires a cablevision consists of and their thickness.

Wires carry small electrical loads and transmit telecommunication signals and other small-scale parts like bulbs and vehicle parts. On the other manus, the cables transport huge loads of electrical currents.

The cable types include coaxial cable and twisted pair cable. It tin can also include multi-conductor cable and fiber-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, one inside and one outside. These are generally used in televisions. Yous'll more often than not find the twisted pair type wherever data and telecommunication transportation is required. Since the twisting of the 2 conductors reduces dissonance, it is perfect for transmitting data signals through long distances.

Is it 'Gaugdue east' or 'AWG'?

AmericanWireGaugeast is oft referred to as AWG. It is the standard used in most of N America and refers to thickness. Information technology is used to denote the current conveying capacity of the wire and the cross-sectional area. Using this standard means you can purchase a 14 AWG wire from two different vendors. You will notice they are the same thickness. The 'gauge' can exist used equally a shortened way of expressing AWG, but the seller must e'er confirm this. Sometimes manufacturers use the term 'gauge' to market cables that are certainly non in AWG units.

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

The master panel is besides known equally the service entrance panel. Here the ability visitor's current showtime enters the dwelling and is further distributed to the rest of the household. It's also the first condom internet that protects your abode from any kind of electrical damage or fires. Suppose you lot suspect whatever faults in the circuit. You can straight switch off the main console and take your home out of the power grid of the electricity supplier.

The sub-panel is like a miniature main console that doesn't have a direct connection to the power utility visitor. It feeds off the main console's electric current. Its purpose is quite similar to the main panels in that it protects appliances from shorting or faulting. They besides comprise circuit breakers and fuses to observe whatsoever electricity surcharge and immediately finish the electric current to avoid fires. But and so how are sub-panels different?

Sub-panels are different as they take their power from the main panel. Their main purpose is to assistance you organize your home'south electric excursion in a manageable manner. Yous could also utilise a sub-panel to avoid overcrowding in the main panel. Overloading is a serious fire hazard. You can avoid this by distributing your abode into the area, each having its sub-console.

Subpanels can also isolate sure areas that take different power usage. For instance, a garage workshop will put a keen load on the primary panel with its heavy machinery. Yous can avoid this by setting up a separate sub-console for the garage. You tin isolate the area with the trouble and turn off the corresponding area'southward sub-panel in any brusk or mistake. At the same time, the residual of the business firm can remain powered as usual.

What is the deviation between Neutral and World lines?

The simplest way to explain the Neutral and earth lines is to expect at a basic three-pin socket. Each pivot corresponds to Globe, neutral, and stage. While the phase line carries the current, the neutral line makes for the return for balancing the menses. The globe line is the safety internet during the unabridged process.

Globe line: The fluctuation of alternating current in household or workplace use can be dangerous if not directed elsewhere. That is why the earth line makes certain to take the extra current directly into the ground and so that no shorts or accidents occur. A rod is used to directly the extra electric current under faulty weather. During normal atmospheric condition, this line usually stays current-free.

Neutral line: This line is a return path for the alternating current, connecting the menstruum to its origin point. Even though it carries no electric current, the circuit is incomplete without this line. It is too known as the naught potential point. The render path provides a way to make the total of the current zip. In this way, 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 fourth dimension for a replacement?

A base meter is a protective enclosure around the electric meter to go along the machinery. Information technology wires dry and in proper working status. It is also responsible for receiving the supply of current from the power utility visitor and sending it to the master 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 appropriate condition is important for the house to be powered.

Suppose yous spot any of the following signs. Your meter base may be in problem, like flickering lights and devices not working. It could as well be partial outages in the house. If yous spot any visible harm to your meter box and base of operations, it also may be time for a replacement. It can include corrosion on the within or exterior due to the weather conditions or torn and cleaved wires. Apart from all these conditions, updating meters to standard building and electricity codes is a major reason to get your meter base replaced. Information technology is common for meter boxes to upgrade to a 200A capacity as older homes generally have 60A chapters meters installed. If you have a large home or property, a 400A capacity meter would be more than appropriate.

What is the National Electrical Code?

The NEC is used equally ademotemarking for safe electric installation and inspection in all 50 United states of america of America. Information technology is function of the publication by the National Fire Protection Association. Although information technology is non established by federal law, all states normally follow information technology.

Basic NEC rules and Codes

Size of excursionintermissioner: For non-motor loads, the maximum loading for abreaker is cut off at fourscore%. Under no circumstances can thesuspensioner exist larger than theampacity unless it is for motor loads.
Full general pattern guidelines: lights and outlets should exist prepare on dissimilar circuits. This will allow maximum loading on lite circuits and leave capacity for other outlets.
Outlets circuits must take GFI protection if located in residential locations. Whatsoever place with portable equipment and mechanism must as well have GFI outlets. This includes whatsoever garage areas and workshops. It can also include shops and warehouses. Each slice of stock-still machinery like drill presses or welding machines must too 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 practise load calculations for larger places.
Hugger-mugger – Use XLP-USE for underground wiring, with AWG copper minimum.
Protecting cables and conduits: Conductors must exist inside a cord or trench. They tin can also exist within a raceway or cablevision tray.
Outdoor receptacle: Each home must have one front and one rear receptacle, which is easily accessible. It is advised it should be located no more vi and a half feet above the ground.
Receptacles used to supply power to the pumps and motors of spas and pools must exist at least 10ft abroad from the puddle if without GFCI. If the receptacle is GFCI protected, it can be located no closer than 6ft.
Low-cal fixtures located outdoors do not require GFCI protection.
Low voltage light fixtures should not exist any nearer than 5ft to indoorwater structures like spas and puddlesouth.
Telephone and other types ofwiring should be located at least 10ft abroad from the peak of thewater surface of indoorh2o 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 underground purposes as it can be dug and settled underground without the use of a conduit.
Wiring carrying equal to or less than thirty volts must be located vi inches deep underground.

What size wire goes from meter to panel?

AWG4 in copper is the usual size to use. The console is also known as the billow box. Yous will need a sturdy and well-insulated wire to prevent loss of current and accidents in this expanse. You will demand both a ground wire and a neutral wire running from the meter box. The neutral wire volition improve the effectiveness of the excursion and push back any straying current back into the circuit. The ground wire is run for protective measures to prevent the electric current fluctuations from damaging the circuit wiring. For this purpose, you can use AWG4 in copper textile.

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

Y'all'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 material for a 200 amp service. For something slightly lower similar 150amps, AWG1 in copper and AWG2 in aluminum.

What size copper wire is good for 400 amps?

For 400 amp service, y'all will need 400AWG or 350copper amps between the pole and the new electrical service and circuit billow box. For a 400 amp service, yous will 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 than enough for minor and medium-sized homes. It is platonic 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'south the difference between stranded and solidwire?

Solid and stranded versions see a lot of utilise in electric equipment, just how are they different? A solid blazon 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 split or get damaged in devices and control panels. They are frequently used in pocket-sized and cramped spaces where sub-parts must exist connected and fit together regardless of the awkward positions.

The solid blazon is thicker and ideal for spaces requiring loftier durability and heavy current. This tin includeporch areas and backyards. It can fifty-fifty be set upward in thegarage where you need to power heavy equipment likedrillpresses and chainsaws. The thick size and loftier resistance to weather atmospheric condition hateful it can exist used widely in the electric parts of vehicles and bigbuildingdue south.

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

Both of these are used every bit safe nets to completely stop the menses of the circuit if there is an overload. Still, there are some differences between the two.

The biggest difference between the two is a fuse is a self-destructingmetal piece. Information technology melts when there is an overload to protect the excursion. A Miniature circuitbreaker has a switch that trips when in that location is an overflow of current or a fault.

It essentially means that a fuse will accept to be replaced every time at that place 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 electric properties, an MCB works on electromagnetic principles.

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

Therefore a Miniature circuitbreaker ispreferable over a fuse for your home.

How do you lot read wire size charts?

Find out the requirement of amps.

You'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 project. This will be calculated using the number of devices and their respective volts.
Notice the ideal blazon of wiring.

When information technology comes to the type of wiring, there are plenty of options in the market. You tin can go the cheaper route with aluminum or choose the more sturdy and high current-carrying copper. Some people fifty-fifty cull precious silverish in some places. While aluminum is more flexible, copper is tougher.
Read a wire size chart using the in a higher place values.

In the row section, look for the material. It tin can either be copper or aluminum. In the column section, look for the voltage section to find the ampacity you crave for your projection. After you lot have done this, wait for the intersection of the ii. You'll easily find the wire size or AWG y'all need to purchase. Voila! Yous're one footstep closer to becoming an electrical expert!

It is an essential skill if you're merely getting into electrical wiring and systems know-how. At present you lot know the basic steps to reading an online wire size chart.

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