What Size Wire For 100 Amp Sub Panel

Knowing which size to option is important, so you tin can utilize the right one for your equipment that requires electricity. If this is your first fourth dimension reading most the topic, we cover some basic things to know about it.

In a hurry? Buying recommendations

We've got yous covered if you desire to purchase a circuit billow or a sub-console. Nosotros can also help you with a transfer switch or fuse for your 70 to 600amp service needs. We've found all the products nosotros recommend based on NEC's chart to ensure safe.

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A Rule of Pollex: What are the correctwireast sizes for lxx toAmp Service &Breakers?

What electrical components do I demand for a projection? The dominion of thumb that techs will commonly get past is that for a70 amp excursion breaker, 4-judge copper wireis the correct one to go with. For an80amp, y'all need a 4-gaugeast copperwire. For a100amp service, y'all will need a i-gaugeastwardwire.

For125 amps, yous volition need a 1-gauge copperwirdue east. For150amp, you will need a 1/0-size copperwire. For a 200 amp service, yous volition need a 250 kcmil-gauge copper wire. For a 400 amp service, you will need a 600 kcmil-gauge copper wire. For 600 amp, you will need a 1500 kcmil-gaugewire.

Information technology's important to realize that these rules of pollex come up with certain limitations, such as 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. Apply it to effigy out what it is that you demand. Scroll down a petty bit.

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

The nautical chart below canshow you the wire size for 70, 80, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 600amp of service. Curlicue down the page a little chip further.

Tabular array of content

A Rule of Pollex
Amounts
What is agauge?
Choosing the right one
What happens when you lot cull the wrong one
Merely if yous notice yourself having the incorrect one, here are the things that might happen.
Standardwirdue eastgauge chart

A Rule of Thumb

Nosotros encourage you to look at the chart below to detect the right products for your project. There are general rules of thumb that techs go by, which nosotros take included in the chart.

We've got the chart yous demand to run across the electric cablevision requirements for aluminum and copper.

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

Thouroundwire, service entrance, circuit,pauseer size nautical chart rating
Service or Feeder Rating (amp)	Aluminum conductor	Copper conductor
70	#2 AWG	#4 AWG
80	#1 AWG	#iii AWG
100	#1/0 AWG	#1 AWG
125	#3/0 AWG	#1/0 AWG
150	#4/0 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 you are unsure of which type of material you are dealing with or don't know the right temperature. We always advise erring on the side of caution. For that reason, our recommendations volition ever suggest a safe selection given the ambience temperature. It's always amend to choose a bigger diameter if yous are unsure near any conditions that could influence the performance.

threescoreamp

As yous tin can see, yous volition desire a 6 gauge wire for lx amp. If you're more cautious, a iv AWG is nifty. That is assuming the right weather, such equally temperature.

Permit's say you lot have an 8-gauge and a ten-rated lying around at home. You want to know if y'all can utilise these with the circuitinterruptioner. The 8-gaugeastward nor the x-gauge tin can exist coupled with thisbreaker. Only have a await at the nautical chart farther downwards the page.

70amp

For seventyamp, the rightwireast is either agaugeastward threealuminum or agauge 4 copper. That is, bold there aren't other factors impacting the functioning.

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

eightyamp

If you're working with an 80amp service, you need agauge iv copperwireast. fourscore amp service will need to be a 2 AWG if you are going foraluminum instead. Be sure yous get the correct ane for your subpanel andbreaker!

100amp

The rule of pollex for100amp service is that you get with awiresize one. However, that is just if yous don't consider the material. We'll go into a little scrap more detail beneath.

You need to get a judge one made of aluminum for a sub-panel, whereas a 3 will piece of work if information technology is copper. It applies to both a breaker & sub-panel. These recommendations are based on usher temperature ratings of 167°F.

Be sure to consider the table beneath to see the various products nosotros recommend for sub-panels and entrance cables. When you click on the table, you may have to make the right selection to follow the electrical recommendations provided.

Proper name

Best service wire

WindyNation

Best transfer switch

Xantrex 81-2010-12

Best billow

Movie

Best sub panel

Movie

Best service wire

Picture

Best transfer switch

Moving picture

125amp

The rightwireastward for 125amp service is agauge i copper or a 2/0aluminum to be on the safe side. Wait at the table below to come across the sub console andbreaker we recommend for 125 amps of service.

Product

Best breaker box

Breaker box

Best wire

Best billow box

B01F76VJ3I

150amp

For 150amp, you need a three/0wire size fabricated ofaluminum. Otherwise, a 1/0 is thesmallest you lot can go with when looking at copper.

Suppose you take a circuitsuspensioner at home with this rating, and you lot would like to use it.

You volition need 1/0-gaugeast copper at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 2/0-gaugealuminum 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 fabricated of copper. Hither's a tabular array with the different sub-panel andbreakers we recommend for thispower level.

Name

Best sub console

Siemens W0202MB1200CU

All-time transfer switch

Siemens DTGNF224NR

All-time breaker

Picture

Best sub console

Picture

Best wire

Moving-picture show

All-time transfer switch

Picture

300amp

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

400amp

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

600amp

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

Fullwireast size chart for 70, 80, 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	xx	25	25	25	xxx	20
ten	thirty	35	30	35	40	xxx
8	40	45	twoscore	50	55	40
6	fifty	60	55	65	75	50
4	65	75	70	85	95	65
three	75	85	85	100	110	75
two	90	100	95	115	130	90
i	100	115	110	130	145	100
1/0	120	135	125	150	170	120
ii/0	135	150	145	175	195	135
3/0	155	175	165	200	225	155
iv/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?

Thegaugeast is the diameter of the product. This determines how much electrical current it can safely behave. If y'all have always been to the electrical section of a hardwarestore, you volition discover it comes in several options.

Instead of referring to its actual thickness, people apply its gauge. 6 and 4 are just some of the numbers you'll meet. You could also come beyond gauges similar 1/0, 2/0, and 3/0.

It is inversely proportional to the diameter. It means the higher the number, thesmaller the diameter. If it is not written on the product itself or is unclear, y'all can use a thickness tool to determine information technology. Getting the correct bore is of import because it determines the maximum electric current it can safely handle. Using an incorrect one could atomic number 82 to serious issues in the long run. So before deciding which to buy, consider how much electrical current information technology tin can handle by identifying the devices you volition use.

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

Make certain to read two of our other resources on Thermo Male monarch alarm codes and an in-depth expect atweldinggas orwelding spectacles.

Choosing the right ane

They usually fire if you utilise the incorrect one. It is advisable to know the correct one toprevent this from happening. The bad affair is that most people are not enlightened that your option makes a deviation. People often make the connections themselves without consulting or calling a licensed electrician. It could lead to serious issues when washed incorrectly.

When the setup involves the circuitbreaker, you should take extraprecautions. Installing the right components volition greatlyprevent common issues from happening. In most cases, issues ascend because of an wrong i. The unlike electrical components e'er need to be compatible with i another.

If you lot have a 60amp excursionbreaker for yourwateroestruser, read the next department as we guide y'all to understand the basics. We'll ensure you know which products go with your clothesdryer orair conditioner.

What happens when you choose the incorrect one

It is a common misconception for people to think that as long as the ends of thewire fit a connector, in that location will be no issues. Information technology is not the example for circuitbreakers. People unaware of their importance oftentimes employ too small-scale gauges to connect their circuit breakers. Smaller bore ones are cheaper than the bigger ones. Unaware people oft go for the cheaper ones, thinking it will non make any departure. Sadly, it will but cost them more in the long run.

Using a larger one for your circuitbreaker is often the best way to go. The only negative effect this has is your budget, which will cost you more upfront. When picking a larger 1, y'all spend more than than what you may need. Nonetheless, it will not cause any damage to your circuitinterruptioner. Instead, it can better handle the electrical electric current flowing through it.

But if you lot find yourself having the incorrect one, hither are the things that might happen.

Consequences
Drop-in functioning	Melted insulation
Fire	Damaged equipment

A drib in performance

If you lot connect appliances to a circuitintermissioner using also minor i, achieving height efficiency may be incommunicable. The appliances can only receive a part of the energy required to operate at meridian performance. In effect, your appliances will be unlikely to accomplish their optimal performance.

You may have a 15amp excursionintermissioner that y'all need to employ for light fixtures at home. At best, using anything less than the recommended 14-approximate could lead to performance bug. For electric furnaces, you need at least a 4 because of the amount of current they consume.

Make sure to see what the requirement are, whether you are welding or powering ametallic lathe. If not, you might exist using the incorrectcord. It could atomic number 82 to suboptimal performance, at best.

It can start a fire

Incorrect wire size and amp rating causing burning wire

Burn down is the worst-case acquired by a burning electrical component that starts. Although modern circuit breakers have safe measures, they may not be enough if the load is too much.

A common prophylactic measure formodern circuitintermissioners is the trip mechanism. When the circuitbreaker experiences an overload, it will trip to cut the current from passing through. It helpsprevent whatever damage from happening. Yet, having a trip mechanism does not fullyprevent a fire from happening.

Melted insulation

Asmaller diameter can handle less current, making them more resistant to energy flow. If the bore is mode smaller for your circuit billow, the current flowing is more than than it tin can handle. Due to loftier resistance, heat generates and volition eventually lead to melting.

Impairment to the equipment

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

Standard wire judge chart

You should know that it is important to accept a licensed electrician handle whatever electric work. It helps to know some basic electrical things, such as the rightgauge. The chart electricians employ as their reference volition differ depending on the region.

Using astandard measurement instrument is easy to reply your questions about the product's bore. Nosotros apply the AWG arrangement in the Usa to determine it. The AWG defines the diameter of solid round wires, otherwise known as the estimate. Given the diverse conditions, the capacity is the highest current it can handle. The cloth it was made from, and the ambient temperature is of import factors.

When referring to the tabular array below, notation that the AWG value is opposite to the diameter. A college AWG refers to asmall-scaleer diameter. It means an viii-gauge can support a higher capacity than a 10. The nautical chart below defines the diameter in inches and millimeters. The chart should help determine which i to choose.

The 1 with the largest diameter is the 0000, while thepocket-sizeest is the forty. The onetime lets more energy flow through it at any given time than thesmaller ones will.

Oft Asked Questions

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

Wire versus Cable

Both of the above terms may seem interchangeable to many folks, only few know the significance of each. The basic wire is 1 conductor, whereas a cable has many different conductors grouped. An outer layer of the sheath protects the cables. The wire usually goes blank or has a PVC blanket on tiptop to protect and prevent accidents.

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

Wires carry small-scale electrical loads and transmit telecommunication 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 cable and twisted pair cable. It can likewise 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 2 conductors running parallel to them, one inside and one outside. These are generally used in televisions. You'll generally detect the twisted pair type wherever information and telecommunication transportation is required. Since the twisting of the two conductors reduces noise, it is perfect for transmitting data signals through long distances.

Is information technology 'Gauge' or 'AWG'?

AmericanWireGauge is oft referred to every bit AWG. Information technology is the standard used in about of Northward America and refers to thickness. It is used to denote the current conveying capacity of the wire and the cross-sectional expanse. Using this standard means y'all tin can purchase a 14 AWG wire from two different vendors. You will notice they are the aforementioned thickness. The 'estimate' tin can be used equally a shortened mode of expressing AWG, but the seller must always confirm this. Sometimes manufacturers use the term 'gauge' to market cables that are certainly not in AWG units.

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

The main panel is also known as the service entrance panel. Here the power visitor's current get-go enters the home and is further distributed to the remainder of the household. It'due south also the first safety net that protects your dwelling house from any kind of electrical harm or fires. Suppose you suspect whatsoever faults in the circuit. You can directly switch off the primary panel and take your home out of the power grid of the electricity supplier.

The sub-console is like a miniature primary panel that doesn't have a directly connectedness to the power utility company. It feeds off the main console'southward current. Its purpose is quite similar to the main panels in that it protects appliances from shorting or faulting. They likewise contain circuit breakers and fuses to detect any electricity surcharge and immediately stop the electric current to avoid fires. But and then how are sub-panels different?

Sub-panels are different as they take their ability from the main console. Their main purpose is to help you organize your home'southward electric circuit in a manageable manner. You could besides utilise a sub-panel to avoid overcrowding in the main panel. Overloading is a serious fire hazard. Y'all can avoid this by distributing your home into the area, each having its sub-panel.

Subpanels tin can also isolate sure areas that take unlike ability usage. For instance, a garage workshop will put a great load on the primary panel with its heavy mechanism. Yous can avert this by setting up a separate sub-panel for the garage. Yous can isolate the area with the problem and plow off the respective area's sub-panel in any brusk or fault. At the same time, the residual of the business firm tin remain powered as usual.

What is the departure between Neutral and Earth lines?

The simplest fashion to explain the Neutral and earth lines is to look at a basic iii-pin socket. Each pin corresponds to Earth, neutral, and phase. While the phase line carries the electric current, the neutral line makes for the return for balancing the flow. The earth line is the safety net during the entire procedure.

Globe line: The fluctuation of alternating electric current in household or workplace employ tin be dangerous if not directed elsewhere. That is why the globe line makes certain to take the extra current directly into the ground then that no shorts or accidents occur. A rod is used to direct the extra current nether faulty atmospheric condition. During normal atmospheric condition, this line usually stays current-free.

Neutral line: This line is a return path for the alternate current, connecting the catamenia to its origin signal. Even though it carries no current, the circuit is incomplete without this line. It is also known as the naught potential indicate. The return path provides a manner to brand the full of the current cipher. In this way, both neutral and world lines are rubber 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 meter is a protective enclosure acircular the electric meter to keep the mechanism. It wires dry and in proper working condition. It is also responsible for receiving the supply of electric current from the power utility company and sending information technology to the primary power panel 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 status is of import for the house to be powered.

Suppose you spot any of the following signs. Your meter base may be in problem, like flickering lights and devices not working. Information technology could too be partial outages in the firm. If y'all spot any visible damage to your meter box and base, information technology also may be time for a replacement. Information technology tin can include corrosion on the inside or outside due to the weather conditions or torn and broken wires. Autonomously from all these conditions, updating meters to standard edifice 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 more often than not have 60A capacity meters installed. If you have a big home or property, a 400A capacity meter would be more advisable.

What is the National Electrical Code?

The NEC is used as ademotemark for safe electrical installation and inspection in all fifty United states of america. Information technology is part of the publication past the National Fire Protection Clan. Although it is non established by federal law, all states commonly follow it.

Basic NEC rules and Codes

Size of circuitbreaker: For non-motor loads, the maximum loading for abreaker is cutting off at lxxx%. Nether no circumstances tin can thepauseer be larger than theampacity unless it is for motor loads.
General blueprint guidelines: lights and outlets should be set upwardly on different circuits. This will allow maximum loading on low-cal circuits and get out chapters for other outlets.
Outlets circuits must accept GFI protection if located in residential locations. Any identify with portable equipment and mechanism must also have GFI outlets. This includes any garage areas and workshops. It can besides include shops and warehouses. Each piece of fixed machinery similar drill presses or welding machines must also have its GFI-protected circuit.
Service size: The minimum service for a very small building is 100 A and 20 circuits. It is appropriate to exercise load calculations for larger places.
Hush-hush – Utilize XLP-USE for underground wiring, with AWG copper minimum.
Protecting cables and conduits: Conductors must be inside a cord or trench. They tin as well be inside a raceway or cable tray.
Outdoor receptacle: Each home must have ane front and 1 rear receptacle, which is easily accessible. It is advised it should be located no more 6 and a half anxiety above the ground.
Receptacles used to supply power to the pumps and motors of spas and pools must be at least 10ft away 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.
Depression voltage light fixtures should non be whatsoever nearer than 5ft to indoorh2o structures like spas and puddles.
Phone and other types ofwiring should exist located at least 10ft away from the top of theh2o surface of indoorh2o structures.
Undergroundwiring must exist covered with conduit.
Cached undergcircular or exposedwiring must ever exist listed for its use. UF cablevision blazon is best known for underground purposes every bit it can be dug and settled underground without the use of a conduit.
Wiring carrying equal to or less than 30 volts must be located half-dozen inches deep underground.

What size wire goes from meter to panel?

AWG4 in copper is the usual size to employ. The panel is as well known as the breaker box. You volition need a sturdy and well-insulated wire to forbid loss of current and accidents in this area. Yous will need both a ground wire and a neutral wire running from the meter box. The neutral wire will better the effectiveness of the circuit and push back whatsoever straying current back into the excursion. The ground wire is run for protective measures to preclude the electric current fluctuations from damaging the circuit wiring. For this purpose, yous can use AWG4 in copper textile.

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

You're going to need something thick and durable for something of this voltage. This is why it'southward all-time 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 skilful for 400 amps?

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

Is 400 amp service enough for you?

This should be more than enough for small 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 oestrus load exceeds 20000 watts.

What's the difference between stranded and solidwire?

Solid and stranded versions see a lot of apply in electrical equipment, but how are they unlike? A solid type consists of a single solid core wire. The stranded blazon consists of an assembly of thinner wires.

Stranded wires are more than flexible since they consist of many smaller sub-parts. It is also significantly more malleable and does non split or become damaged in devices and command panels. They are oft used in small 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 loftier durability and heavy current. This tin includeporch areas and backyards. It can even be set up in thegarage where yous need to ability heavy equipment likedrillprintinges and chainsaws. The thick size and high resistance to weather conditions mean it tin can exist used widely in the electric parts of vehicles and bigbuildings.

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

Both of these are used equally condom nets to completely stop the flow of the circuit if there is an overload. All the same, there are some differences between the two.

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

It substantially means that a fuse volition have 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 fourth dimension.

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. Information technology is platonic for homeowners who crave acheap, low-breaking capacity pick.

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

How do you read wire size charts?

Find out the requirement of amps.

You're going to have to work out the voltage requirement. This gene is essential in determining the thickness of wires you lot'll demand in the project. This will exist calculated using the number of devices and their corresponding volts.
Find the ideal type 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 road with aluminum or cull the more sturdy and high electric current-carrying copper. Some people even cull precious silver in some places. While aluminum is more flexible, copper is tougher.
Read a wire size chart using the above values.

In the row department, expect for the material. It can either exist copper or aluminum. In the column section, look for the voltage section to observe the ampacity you require for your project. After you have washed this, look for the intersection of the two. You lot'll easily find the wire size or AWG you need to purchase. Voila! You're one step closer to becoming an electrical skilful!

It is an essential skill if you'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 nautical chart using the in a higher place values.