2/7/2024 0 Comments 100 amp wire size![]() How to convert copper wire sizes to aluminum? I hope that these points have enlightened you about the dynamic nature of this topic and that the specific query, “What gauge wire for 70 amp breaker?” doesn’t take long to evolve into a question that can be more meaningfully answered by a qualified electrical engineer or electrician. Still, many will argue that it’s better to upsize since increasing the conductor’s diameter aids in reducing voltage drop with arguably marginal consequences. As I mentioned before, if the total length of the cable exceeds 100 feet, it’s time to think about upsizing, but even then, it may still be better to follow the recommendations of a standard breaker wire size chart with regard to amp rating of wire, especially if you know what appliances you’ll be running at the same time – with voltage drop and cable length considered.Here are the conditions most electricians set when deciding when to upsize wire: The voltage drop will be a crucial consideration for upsizing however, it’s not always mandatory. As you can also see, not all cases are an exact fit to what the standard 70 amp wire size chart would depict once voltage drop and running length come into the picture.īut we can also argue that, unless you’re building a subpanel on your detached garage that will connect with the main panel or a similar project with the same scale, you don’t have to consider upsizing and departing from the numbers on a standard wire gauge amp chart. On the other hand, with a 5% voltage drop (which is still passable!) in that same setup, the calculator now recommends exactly the one on the NEC: 4 gauge copper.Īgain, these are minimum requirements, so you shouldn’t go below them as much as possible. If we decrease it to exactly 2%, you may even need to use 1 AWG already. With a voltage drop of 2.74%, the calculator actually recommends a 3 gauge copper wire instead. It’s a given that most American households use 240V appliances, so let’s set that. ![]() Let’s say the total cable run is 200 feet, with, of course, 70 amps as the main panel or subpanel’s ampacity. Do take note that voltage drop only becomes a major factor for upsizing if you have long running lengths of, at least, 100 or 110 feet and above. While it’s safest to stick to the guidelines, you’ll arrive at the best answer if you consider all the essentials, including voltage drop and the running length.īased on this voltage drop calculator, the minimum wire size requirements can greatly change even with a slight uptick or downtick in voltage drop. The answer stated above is derived from the recommendations of the American National Electric Code, which also include ambient temperature. ![]() How to convert copper wire sizes to aluminum?Īlways Factor in Voltage Drop and the Wire’s Running Length.Always Factor in Voltage Drop and the Wire’s Running Length. ![]()
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