What Size Wire For 100 Amp Service Underground

Knowing which size to choice is important, so you can use the right 1 for your equipment that requires electricity. If this is your first time reading about the topic, nosotros cover some basic things to know about it.

In a hurry? Buying recommendations

We've got you covered if yous want to buy a circuit breaker or a sub-panel. Nosotros can likewise assistance you lot with a transfer switch or fuse for your seventy to 600amp service needs. Nosotros've found all the products we recommend based on NEC'south chart to ensure safety.

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A Dominion of Thumb: What are the correctwire sizes for 70 toAmp Service &Interruptioners?

What electric components do I demand for a project? The dominion of thumb that techs will usually get past is that for a70 amp circuit breaker, four-approximate copper wireis the right i to go with. For anfourscoreamp, you need a 4-gauge copperwire. For a100amp service, you will need a i-gaugewireast.

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

It'south important to realize that these rules of thumb come 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 figure out what information technology is that you demand. Scroll down a niggling bit.

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

The chart below canevidence y'all the wire size for 70, eighty, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 600amp of service. Curl downward the page a little bit farther.

Table of content

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

A Rule of Thumb

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

Nosotros've got the chart you need to run into the electrical cablevision requirements for aluminum and copper.

Beneath is a tabular array based on conductor temperatures of 140°F unless otherwise stated, taken from the NEC 310.16.

1000roundwirdue east, service entrance, excursion,pauseer size chart rating
Service or Feeder Rating (amp)	Aluminum usher	Copper conductor
70	#2 AWG	#4 AWG
80	#ane AWG	#3 AWG
100	#ane/0 AWG	#one AWG
125	#three/0 AWG	#one/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)	1,500 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 suggest erring on the side of caution. For that reason, our recommendations volition e'er advise a safe choice given the ambience temperature. It's always better to choose a bigger diameter if you are unsure about any weather that could influence the performance.

60amp

Equally yous can see, you will want a 6 gauge wire for 60 amp. If you're more cautious, a 4 AWG is great. That is assuming the right conditions, such equally temperature.

Let's say you take an 8-gaugdue east and a 10-rated lying around at domicile. You want to know if you tin can employ these with the excursionbreaker. The 8-gauge nor the ten-gauge can be coupled with thisbreaker. Only take a look at the nautical chart farther downwards the page.

lxxamp

For seventyamp, the correctwire is either agauge iiialuminum 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 excursionbreaker with this rating, you can use iv-gauge copper at an ambient temperature of 140°F.

eightyamp

If you're working with an eightyamp service, you need agaugeast iv copperwire. fourscore amp service will need to be a 2 AWG if you are going foraluminum instead. Be sure you lot get the right one for your subpanel andbreaker!

100amp

The rule of pollex for100amp service is that you go with awireastwardsize i. However, that is but if you don't consider the fabric. Nosotros'll go into a little fleck more detail below.

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

Exist sure to consider the tabular array beneath to see the various products we recommend for sub-panels and entrance cables. When you click on the table, you may have to make the correct selection to follow the electrical recommendations provided.

Name

All-time service wire

WindyNation

All-time transfer switch

Xantrex 81-2010-12

Best breaker

Picture

Best sub panel

Movie

Best service wire

Picture

Best transfer switch

Picture

125amp

The correctwire for 125amp service is agaugeast 1 copper or a 2/0aluminum to exist on the safe side. Look at the table below to see the sub panel andbreaker we recommend for 125 amps of service.

Product

Best breaker box

Breaker box

Best wire

Best breaker box

B01F76VJ3I

150amp

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

Suppose you accept a circuitpauseer at abode with this rating, and yous would similar to use it.

Yous will need 1/0-gaugeast copper at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 2/0-gaugealuminum at an ambience temperature of 194°F.

200amp

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

Proper noun

Best sub console

Siemens W0202MB1200CU

All-time transfer switch

Siemens DTGNF224NR

Best billow

Picture show

Best sub panel

Picture

Best wire

Picture

All-time transfer switch

Picture

300amp

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

400amp

400amp service requires analuminumwire size of 1000 kcmil. In dissimilarity, a copper 600 kcmil can handle that corporeality of power. Take a wait at the NEC electrical cablevision chart below.

600amp

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

Totalwireast size chart for seventy, 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
14	—	—	xx	xx	25	20
12	20	25	25	25	thirty	20
ten	30	35	thirty	35	40	xxx
8	xl	45	40	50	55	twoscore
half-dozen	50	threescore	55	65	75	fifty
4	65	75	lxx	85	95	65
3	75	85	85	100	110	75
2	90	100	95	115	130	90
one	100	115	110	130	145	100
i/0	120	135	125	150	170	120
2/0	135	150	145	175	195	135
three/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 agaugeast?

Thegauge is the diameter of the product. This determines how much electrical electric current information technology can safely acquit. If you accept e'er been to the electrical section of a hardwarestore, y'all will detect it comes in several options.

Instead of referring to its bodily thickness, people employ its judge. 6 and 4 are just some of the numbers you'll see. You could also come across gauges like ane/0, two/0, and 3/0.

It is inversely proportional to the diameter. It means the higher the number, thepocket-sizeder the diameter. If it is not written on the product itself or is unclear, yous tin can utilize a thickness tool to determine it. Getting the right diameter is important because information technology determines the maximum current information technology tin can safely handle. Using an incorrect 1 could atomic number 82 to serious bug in the long run. So before deciding which to buy, consider how much electrical current it can handle by identifying the devices you will utilise.

The United States and 65 othercountries use the AWG as the unit of measure out. Other countries employ the Imperial Standard, defined past the British Board of Merchandise.

Make sure to read two of our other resources on Thermo Rex alert codes and an in-depth expect atweldinggas orwelding spectacles.

Choosing the right one

They ordinarily burn if you utilize the incorrect one. Information technology is advisable to know the correct one toprevent this from happening. The bad thing is that well-nigh people are not aware that your choice makes a difference. People often brand the connections themselves without consulting or calling a licensed electrician. It could pb to serious problems when washed incorrectly.

When the setup involves the circuitbreaker, yous should accept extraprecautions. Installing the right components will greatlyprevent mutual issues from happening. In most cases, problems arise because of an wrong ane. The different electric components ever need to be compatible with 1 another.

If you have a 60amp circuitinterruptioner for yourwaterheater, read the side by side section as nosotros guide you to sympathise the nuts. We'll ensure you know which products become with your wearing appareldryer orair conditioner.

What happens when you choose the wrong i

It is a common misconception for people to remember that equally long as the ends of thewire fit a connector, there will be no issues. It is not the case for excursionbreakers. People unaware of their importance often utilise too small gauges to connect their circuit breakers. Smaller bore ones are cheaper than the bigger ones. Unaware people oft become for the cheaper ones, thinking it will not brand any difference. Sadly, it volition only toll them more in the long run.

Using a larger one for your circuitbreaker is oft the best way to go. The only negative effect this has is your budget, which will cost you more than upfront. When picking a larger one, you spend more than what yous may need. However, it volition non cause any damage to your excursionbreaker. Instead, it tin can better handle the electrical current flowing through it.

Just if you find yourself having the wrong i, here are the things that might happen.

Consequences
Driblet-in functioning	Melted insulation
Fire	Damaged equipment

A drop in performance

If you connect appliances to a circuitsuspensioner using too small one, achieving peak efficiency may be incommunicable. The appliances can only receive a function of the free energy required to operate at peak performance. In event, your appliances will exist unlikely to accomplish their optimal performance.

You may have a 15amp circuitbreaker that you need to apply for calorie-free fixtures at home. At all-time, using anything less than the recommended 14-gauge could lead to performance bug. For electric furnaces, y'all need at least a 4 considering of the corporeality of current they consume.

Brand sure to run across what the requirement are, whether y'all are welding or powering ametal lathe. If non, you might be using the wrongcord. Information technology could lead to suboptimal performance, at all-time.

It tin start a burn down

Incorrect wire size and amp rating causing burning wire

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

A common safety measure formod circuitbreakers is the trip mechanism. When the circuitinterruptioner experiences an overload, information technology volition trip to cutting the current from passing through. It helpsprevent any damage from happening. Still, having a trip mechanism does not fullyprevent a burn from happening.

Melted insulation

Asmaller diameter tin handle less current, making them more resistant to free energy menstruation. If the diameter is way smaller for your excursion breaker, the electric current flowing is more than it tin handle. Due to loftier resistance, heat generates and will eventually pb to melting.

Harm to the equipment

Aside from performance driblet issues and the possibility of starting a fire, using amodester one may impairment your equipment. When the ability supply is not stable, information technology may bust your equipment.

Standard wire gauge chart

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

Using astandard measurement instrument is easy to answer your questions about the product'due south diameter. We employ the AWG arrangement in the United States to determine information technology. The AWG defines the diameter of solid round wires, otherwise known as the judge. Given the various atmospheric condition, the capacity is the highest current it tin can handle. The material it was made from, and the ambience temperature is important factors.

When referring to the table below, note that the AWG value is contrary to the diameter. A higher AWG refers to asmaller diameter. Information technology means an 8-gaugeast can support a college capacity than a 10. The chart below defines the diameter in inches and millimeters. The chart should assist make up one's mind which i to choose.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allow us await at other queries and questions that commonly pop upwards in electrical work.

Wireast versus Cable

Both of the higher up terms may seem interchangeable to many folks, only few know the significance of each. The basic wire is ane conductor, whereas a cable has many dissimilar conductors grouped. An outer layer of the sheath protects the cables. The wire usually goes bare or has a PVC coating on top to protect and foreclose accidents.

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

Wires conduct small electrical loads and transmit telecommunication signals and other small parts like bulbs and vehicle parts. On the other mitt, the cables send huge loads of electric currents.

The cable types include coaxial cable and twisted pair cable. It can too include multi-conductor cablevision and fiber-optic cable. A multi-conductor table means joining many different cables. Its goal is to reduce noise and cantankerous-talk. Coaxial cables consist of two 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 data and telecommunication transportation is required. Since the twisting of the 2 conductors reduces racket, information technology is perfect for transmitting data signals through long distances.

Is information technology 'Gauge' or 'AWG'?

AmericanWireGaugdue east is often referred to as AWG. It is the standard used in near of North America and refers to thickness. It is used to announce the electric current conveying chapters of the wire and the cantankerous-sectional surface area. Using this standard means you can purchase a 14 AWG wire from two unlike vendors. You will find they are the same thickness. The 'approximate' tin can be used as a shortened way of expressing AWG, merely the seller must always confirm this. Sometimes manufacturers use the term 'estimate' to market cables that are certainly not in AWG units.

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

The main panel is as well known every bit the service entrance panel. Here the power visitor'south electric current first enters the home and is further distributed to the balance of the household. It's also the first prophylactic net that protects your home from any kind of electrical damage or fires. Suppose you suspect whatever faults in the excursion. You can straight switch off the main panel and take your dwelling out of the power grid of the electricity supplier.

The sub-panel is like a miniature main panel that doesn't accept a direct connectedness to the power utility company. It feeds off the chief panel'south electric current. Its purpose is quite like to the master panels in that it protects appliances from shorting or faulting. They also contain circuit breakers and fuses to observe any electricity surcharge and immediately stop the current to avoid fires. But then how are sub-panels different?

Sub-panels are different as they take their power from the principal panel. Their main purpose is to help you organize your home's electric circuit in a manageable manner. Yous could too use a sub-panel to avoid overcrowding in the primary panel. Overloading is a serious fire gamble. Yous tin avoid this by distributing your home into the surface area, each having its sub-panel.

Subpanels can also isolate certain areas that have dissimilar ability usage. For instance, a garage workshop will put a great load on the main panel with its heavy machinery. You can avoid this by setting up a divide sub-console for the garage. Yous can isolate the area with the trouble and turn off the respective surface area's sub-panel in any brusk or mistake. At the same fourth dimension, the rest of the house can remain powered as usual.

What is the difference between Neutral and World lines?

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

World line: The fluctuation of alternating current in household or workplace employ can be dangerous if not directed elsewhere. That is why the earth line makes sure 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 current under faulty conditions. During normal conditions, this line usually stays electric current-costless.

Neutral line: This line is a return path for the alternating current, connecting the menstruation to its origin point. Even though it carries no current, the excursion is incomplete without this line. It is too known equally the zero potential point. The return path provides a fashion to make the total of the current null. In this style, both neutral and earth lines are safe 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 it time for a replacement?

A base meter is a protective enclosure around the electric meter to go on the machinery. It wires dry and in proper working condition. It is also responsible for receiving the supply of current from the power utility company and sending it to the main 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 advisable condition is important for the business firm to exist powered.

Suppose y'all spot any of the following signs. Your meter base may be in trouble, like flickering lights and devices not working. It could also be fractional outages in the house. If you spot any visible damage to your meter box and base, information technology also may be time for a replacement. It can include corrosion on the within or outside due to the weather conditions or torn and broken wires. Apart from all these atmospheric condition, updating meters to standard building and electricity codes is a major reason to get your meter base replaced. It is common for meter boxes to upgrade to a 200A capacity as older homes generally have 60A capacity meters installed. If you have a large habitation or property, a 400A capacity meter would be more appropriate.

What is the National Electrical Code?

The NEC is used as abenchmark for safe electrical insalpineation and inspection in all l Usa of America. It is part of the publication by the National Fire Protection Association. Although it is not established past federal law, all states commonly follow it.

Basic NEC rules and Codes

Size of circuitbreaker: For not-motor loads, the maximum loading for abreaker is cut off at 80%. Under no circumstances tin thebreaker be larger than theampacity unless information technology is for motor loads.
General design guidelines: lights and outlets should be set up on different circuits. This volition permit maximum loading on light circuits and leave capacity for other outlets.
Outlets circuits must have GFI protection if located in residential locations. Whatever place with portable equipment and machinery must also accept GFI outlets. This includes any garage areas and workshops. Information technology can also include shops and warehouses. Each piece of fixed machinery like drill presses or welding machines must also accept its GFI-protected excursion.
Service size: The minimum service for a very small building is 100 A and 20 circuits. It is advisable to do load calculations for larger places.
Cloak-and-dagger – Use XLP-Utilise for underground wiring, with AWG copper minimum.
Protecting cables and conduits: Conductors must be inside a cord or trench. They tin also be inside a raceway or cablevision tray.
Outdoor receptacle: Each habitation must accept one front and 1 rear receptacle, which is easily accessible. It is advised it should be located no more than 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 least 10ft away from the pool if without GFCI. If the receptacle is GFCI protected, it tin be located no closer than 6ft.
Light fixtures located outdoors do not require GFCI protection.
Low voltage light fixtures should non be any nearer than 5ft to indoorwater structures like spas and pools.
Telephone and other types ofwiring should exist located at least 10ft away from the tiptop of thewater surface of indoorwater structures.
Undergroundwiring must be covered with conduit.
Buried underground or exposedwiring must always be listed for its use. UF cablevision type is all-time known for underground purposes as it can be dug and settled underground without the utilise of a conduit.
Wiring carrying equal to or less than 30 volts must be located 6 inches deep undergcircular.

What size wire goes from meter to panel?

AWG4 in copper is the usual size to apply. The panel is likewise known as the breaker box. You will need a sturdy and well-insulated wire to prevent loss of current and accidents in this surface area. You will demand 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 any straying current back into the excursion. The ground wire is run for protective measures to preclude the current fluctuations from damaging the circuit wiring. For this purpose, yous can employ AWG4 in copper fabric.

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

You're going to demand 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 like 150amps, AWG1 in copper and AWG2 in aluminum.

What size copper wire is good for 400 amps?

For 400 amp service, you volition 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 three conduit. Don't fret! Using a service of this size should be no unlike for you cost-wise.

Is 400 amp service plenty for you?

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

What'south the departure between stranded and solidwire?

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

Stranded wires are more flexible since they consist of many smaller sub-parts. Information technology is also significantly more malleable and does not split or get damaged in devices and control panels. They are ofttimes used in small and cramped spaces where sub-parts must be continued and fit together regardless of the awkward positions.

The solid type is thicker and ideal for spaces requiring high durability and heavy current. This can includeporch areas and backyards. It tin even exist set up upward in thegaragdue east where you need to power heavy equipment likedrillpresses and chainsaws. The thick size and high resistance to atmospheric condition conditions hateful it tin exist used widely in the electrical parts of vehicles and bigbuildings.

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

Both of these are used as rubber nets to completely terminate the flow of the circuit if in that location is an overload. However, there are some differences betwixt the two.

The biggest difference between the two is a fuse is a self-destructingmetal slice. It melts when at that place 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 essentially means that a fuse will have to be replaced every time there is an overload. An MCB can be used once again and again. Another disadvantage of the fuse is that it doesn't signal an overload and must be checked every time.

The working principles of the fuse and MCB are also very dissimilar. 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 require acheap, depression-suspensioning capacity pick.

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

How exercise y'all 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 demand in the projection. This volition be calculated using the number of devices and their respective volts.
Find the ideal type of wiring.

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

In the row section, look for the cloth. It can either be copper or aluminum. In the cavalcade department, look for the voltage section to observe the ampacity you require for your project. After y'all take done this, look for the intersection of the 2. You'll hands find the wire size or AWG you need to purchase. Voila! You're 1 step closer to becoming an electrical expert!

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 chart using the above values.