What Size Wire For 70 Amps Inground At 150 Ft

Knowing which size to choice is important, so you can apply the correct one for your equipment that requires electricity. If this is your first time reading virtually the topic, we cover some basic things to know about it.

In a hurry? Buying recommendations

We've got yous covered if you want to buy a excursion billow or a sub-panel. We tin can also help you with a transfer switch or fuse for your 70 to 600amp service needs. Nosotros've plant all the products nosotros recommend based on NEC's chart to ensure safe.

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

What electrical components do I demand for a project? The rule of thumb that techs volition ordinarily become by is that for a70 amp circuit breaker, 4-gauge copper wireis the correct one to go with. For aneightyamp, you need a 4-gaugdue east copperwirdue east. For a100amp service, you volition need a 1-gaugewireast.

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

Information technology's important to realize that these rules of pollex come with sure limitations, such as the material and the ambient temperature.

We'll get into information technology and share a wire ampacity rating chart for people who know what a gauge is and its importance. Utilise it to figure out what it is that you need. Roll down a petty bit.

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

The chart below canshow you the wirdue east size for lxx, fourscore, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 600amp of service. Scroll downwardly the page a piffling bit further.

Tabular array of content

A Rule of Pollex
Amounts
What is agaugeastward?
Choosing the right one
What happens when yous cull the wrong i
But if you find yourself having the incorrect one, here are the things that might happen.
Standardwiregauge nautical chart

A Rule of Thumb

Nosotros encourage yous to look at the chart beneath to find the right products for your project. At that place are full general rules of thumb that techs go past, which we have included in the chart.

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

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

Gcircularwireast, service entrance, circuit,breaker size chart rating
Service or Feeder Rating (amp)	Aluminum conductor	Copper conductor
70	#2 AWG	#four AWG
80	#1 AWG	#3 AWG
100	#1/0 AWG	#1 AWG
125	#3/0 AWG	#1/0 AWG
150	#iv/0 AWG	#3/0 AWG
200	350 kcmil	250 kcmil
300	700 kcmil	500 kcmil
400	1,250 kcmil	750 kcmil
600	2,000 kcmil (194°F)	ane,500 kcmil (167°F)

Amounts

Suppose you are unsure of which type of fabric y'all are dealing with or don't know the right temperature. We always suggest erring on the side of circumspection. For that reason, our recommendations will always suggest a prophylactic selection given the ambient temperature. It's ever better to choose a bigger diameter if you are unsure about any conditions that could influence the performance.

60amp

As you tin see, you will desire a half dozen gauge wire for 60 amp. If you lot're more cautious, a four AWG is great. That is assuming the right weather, such as temperature.

Let's say you have an 8-gauge and a 10-rated lying around at dwelling house. You desire to know if you can use these with the circuitbreaker. The 8-gaugeast nor the 10-gauge tin can be coupled with thisbreaker. Simply take a look at the chart further down the folio.

70amp

For 70amp, the rightwireast 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 circuitsuspensioner with this rating, you can use 4-gauge copper at an ambient temperature of 140°F.

80amp

If you lot're working with an lxxxamp service, you need agaugdue east 4 copperwirdue east. 80 amp service will need to exist a 2 AWG if you are going foraluminum instead. Be sure you become the correct one for your subpanel andbreaker!

100amp

The rule of pollex for100amp service is that you go with awiresize 1. However, that is only if you don't consider the material. We'll go into a piffling scrap more than detail below.

You demand to get a gauge i made of aluminum for a sub-console, whereas a three volition piece of work if it 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 below to run across the various products we recommend for sub-panels and entrance cables. When you click on the tabular array, you may have to make the right option to follow the electrical recommendations provided.

Name

Best service wire

WindyNation

All-time transfer switch

Xantrex 81-2010-12

Best billow

Picture

Best sub panel

Picture

Best service wire

Picture

Best transfer switch

Film

125amp

The rightwireastward for 125amp service is agauge 1 copper or a 2/0aluminum to be on the prophylactic side. Look at the table below to come across the sub panel andintermissioner we recommend for 125 amps of service.

Product

Best breaker box

Breaker box

All-time wire

All-time billow box

B01F76VJ3I

150amp

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

Suppose you have a circuitbreaker at habitation with this rating, and you lot would similar to use it.

Y'all volition demand ane/0-gaugeastward copper at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 2/0-gaugeastaluminum at an ambience temperature of 194°F.

200amp

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

Name

Best sub panel

Siemens W0202MB1200CU

All-time transfer switch

Siemens DTGNF224NR

All-time billow

Picture

Best sub panel

Moving-picture show

Best wire

Picture

Best transfer switch

Moving picture

300amp

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

400amp

400amp service requires analuminumwire size of k kcmil. In contrast, a copper 600 kcmil can handle that amount of power. Take a expect at the NEC electrical cable chart below.

600amp

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

Fullwirdue east size chart for 70, 80, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, & 600amp

	Maxamp for	Aluminum	Maxamp for	Copper		Our recommendation
Wirdue eastGauge	167°F	194°F	140°F	167°F	194°F
xiv	—	—	xx	twenty	25	twenty
12	twenty	25	25	25	30	20
10	thirty	35	30	35	40	xxx
8	40	45	forty	50	55	xl
6	50	60	55	65	75	fifty
four	65	75	lxx	85	95	65
3	75	85	85	100	110	75
2	90	100	95	115	130	90
1	100	115	110	130	145	100
1/0	120	135	125	150	170	120
2/0	135	150	145	175	195	135
3/0	155	175	165	200	225	155
four/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 bore of the product. This determines how much electric current information technology can safely carry. If you take e'er been to the electrical department of a hardwarestore, y'all will notice information technology comes in several options.

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

It is inversely proportional to the bore. It means the higher the number, thesmaller the bore. If it is not written on the production itself or is unclear, you can apply a thickness tool to determine it. Getting the right diameter is important considering information technology determines the maximum electric current it tin can safely handle. Using an incorrect one could atomic number 82 to serious problems in the long run. And then before deciding which to buy, consider how much electrical current information technology can handle by identifying the devices y'all volition utilize.

The United States and 65 othercountries employ the AWG equally the unit of measurement of measure. Other countries utilise the Imperial Standard, divers by the British Board of Trade.

Make sure to read ii of our other resource on Thermo Rex alarm codes and an in-depth look atweldinggas orwelding glasses.

Choosing the right one

They ordinarily burn if you utilise the incorrect one. It is appropriate to know the right ane toprevent this from happening. The bad thing is that nearly people are non aware that your choice makes a difference. People often make the connections themselves without consulting or calling a licensed electrician. It could atomic number 82 to serious issues when done incorrectly.

When the setup involves the circuitbreaker, you should take extraprecautions. Installing the right components will greatlyprevent common issues from happening. In most cases, issues arise considering of an incorrect one. The different electric components always demand to be compatible with one another.

If you accept a 60amp circuitbreaker for yourh2oheater, read the next section as nosotros guide you lot to empathise the nuts. Nosotros'll ensure you know which products go with your clothesdryer orair conditioner.

What happens when you cull the wrong ane

It is a common misconception for people to think that as long as the ends of thewire fit a connector, there will exist no issues. It is not the case for circuitsuspensioners. People unaware of their importance often utilize too pocket-size gauges to connect their excursion breakers. Smaller diameter ones are cheaper than the bigger ones. Unaware people often get for the cheaper ones, thinking it volition not make any difference. Sadly, it will only toll them more in the long run.

Using a larger one for your circuitbreaker is often the best way to become. The only negative effect this has is your upkeep, which volition cost you lot more upfront. When picking a larger ane, you spend more than what yous may need. Yet, it volition not crusade any damage to your circuitpauseer. Instead, it can better handle the electrical current flowing through information technology.

But if yous find yourself having the wrong one, here are the things that might happen.

Consequences
Drop-in functioning	Melted insulation
Fire	Damaged equipment

A driblet in functioning

If yous connect appliances to a excursionbreaker using too pocket-sized one, achieving acme efficiency may exist impossible. The appliances can only receive a function of the energy required to operate at peak performance. In effect, your appliances volition be unlikely to achieve their optimal performance.

You may have a 15amp circuitpauseer that you need to apply for light fixtures at home. At all-time, using annihilation less than the recommended 14-judge could lead to operation issues. For electric furnaces, you need at least a 4 considering of the amount of current they consume.

Brand sure to see what the requirement are, whether you are welding or powering ametal lathe. If not, you might be using the incorrectcord. It could pb to suboptimal performance, at all-time.

It tin start a fire

Incorrect wire size and amp rating causing burning wire

Fire is the worst-instance caused by a burning electrical component that starts. Although modern circuit breakers accept safety measures, they may not be plenty if the load is as well much.

A common safety measure formod circuitintermissioners is the trip mechanism. When the circuitinterruptioner experiences an overload, it volition trip to cut the current from passing through. It helpsprevent any damage from happening. However, having a trip mechanism does not fullyprevent a fire from happening.

Melted insulation

Asmaller diameter tin handle less current, making them more resistant to energy flow. If the diameter is way smaller for your excursion breaker, the current flowing is more than it can handle. Due to high resistance, heat generates and will eventually lead to melting.

Damage to the equipment

Bated from performance drop issues and the possibility of starting a fire, using amodester one may damage your equipment. When the power supply is not stable, it may bust your equipment.

Standard wire gauge nautical chart

Y'all should know that information technology is important to have a licensed electrician handle any electric work. It helps to know some bones electrical things, such every bit the correctgaugdue east. The chart electricians employ as their reference will differ depending on the region.

Using astandard measurement instrument is piece of cake to answer your questions near the product's bore. We utilise the AWG arrangement in the United States to determine information technology. The AWG defines the diameter of solid round wires, otherwise known equally the guess. Given the diverse conditions, the capacity is the highest electric current information technology can handle. The textile it was made from, and the ambient temperature is important factors.

When referring to the table below, note that the AWG value is opposite to the diameter. A higher AWG refers to asmaller bore. It means an 8-gauge can support a higher capacity than a 10. The chart below defines the diameter in inches and millimeters. The chart should help determine which ane to choose.

The one with the largest bore is the 0000, while thesmallest is the 40. The former lets more than energy menses through it at any given fourth dimension than thepocket-sizeer ones will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let u.s. expect 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, just few know the significance of each. The bones wire is one 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 coating on top to protect and foreclose accidents.

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

Wires carry small electric loads and transmit telecommunication signals and other small parts like bulbs and vehicle parts. On the other hand, the cables transport huge loads of electric currents.

The cable types include coaxial cable and twisted pair cable. It can also include multi-conductor cablevision and fiber-optic cable. A multi-usher 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 ane exterior. These are by and large used in televisions. Y'all'll mostly observe the twisted pair type wherever information and telecommunication transportation is required. Since the twisting of the two conductors reduces racket, it is perfect for transmitting data signals through long distances.

Is it 'Gaugeast' or 'AWG'?

AmericanWireastGauge is oftentimes referred to every bit AWG. It is the standard used in most of North America and refers to thickness. It is used to denote the current carrying chapters 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 find they are the same thickness. The 'gauge' tin be used as a shortened way of expressing AWG, but the seller must e'er confirm this. Sometimes manufacturers utilise the term 'guess' to marketplace cables that are certainly not in AWG units.

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

The main panel is as well known equally the service entrance panel. Hither the power company's current start enters the home and is further distributed to the remainder of the household. It's also the first safety cyberspace that protects your home from any kind of electrical damage or fires. Suppose you suspect any faults in the excursion. Y'all can directly switch off the main panel and take your home out of the power grid of the electricity supplier.

The sub-panel is like a miniature master panel that doesn't have a straight connexion to the power utility company. It feeds off the chief panel's electric current. Its purpose is quite similar to the main panels in that it protects appliances from shorting or faulting. They too contain circuit breakers and fuses to notice whatever electricity surcharge and immediately finish the current to avert fires. Just then how are sub-panels different?

Sub-panels are different as they take their power from the principal console. Their primary purpose is to help you organize your home's electrical circuit in a manageable manner. You could besides use a sub-panel to avoid overcrowding in the master console. Overloading is a serious fire take a chance. You can avoid this by distributing your home into the area, each having its sub-panel.

Subpanels can also isolate sure areas that accept different power usage. For case, a garage workshop will put a great load on the main panel with its heavy machinery. You tin can avert this past setting up a split up sub-panel for the garage. You can isolate the area with the problem and turn off the respective expanse's sub-panel in any short or fault. At the aforementioned time, the residue of the business firm tin remain powered as usual.

What is the departure between Neutral and Earth lines?

The simplest way to explain the Neutral and earth lines is to await at a basic three-pin socket. Each pin corresponds to Earth, neutral, and phase. While the phase line carries the current, the neutral line makes for the return for balancing the flow. The world line is the prophylactic internet during the entire procedure.

World line: The fluctuation of alternating current in household or workplace use can be dangerous if non directed elsewhere. That is why the world line makes sure to take the actress current directly into the ground then that no shorts or accidents occur. A rod is used to straight the extra current under faulty conditions. During normal weather condition, this line normally stays current-free.

Neutral line: This line is a render path for the alternating electric current, connecting the menses to its origin point. Even though it carries no current, the excursion is incomplete without this line. It is besides known as the nada potential betoken. The render path provides a fashion to make the total of the current cypher. In this way, both neutral and earth lines are safety lines. Preventive measures are taken to reduce the chances of a short scenario of a faulty electric current belch.

What is a base meter? When is information technology fourth dimension for a replacement?

A base meter is a protective enclosure around the electric meter to go along the mechanism. It wires dry and in proper working status. It is also responsible for receiving the supply of current from the power utility company and sending information technology to the main power panel of the house. 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 business firm to be 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 partial outages in the house. If y'all spot whatever visible harm to your meter box and base, it likewise may be fourth dimension for a replacement. Information technology tin can include corrosion on the inside or outside due to the weather atmospheric condition or torn and cleaved wires. Apart from all these weather, 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 take a large dwelling house or property, a 400A capacity meter would be more appropriate.

What is the National Electrical Lawmaking?

The NEC is used as abenchmark for safe electrical insalpineation and inspection in all 50 U.s.a.. It is part of the publication by the National Burn down Protection Association. Although it is not established past federal law, all states commonly follow it.

Basic NEC rules and Codes

Size of circuitsuspensioner: For non-motor loads, the maximum loading for abreaker is cut off at 80%. Nether no circumstances can thebreaker be larger than theampacity unless information technology is for motor loads.
General pattern guidelines: lights and outlets should be set upwards on different circuits. This will allow maximum loading on light circuits and get out capacity for other outlets.
Outlets circuits must have GFI protection if located in residential locations. Any place with portable equipment and machinery must likewise have GFI outlets. This includes any garage areas and workshops. Information technology can besides include shops and warehouses. Each slice of fixed machinery like drill presses or welding machines must as well have its GFI-protected circuit.
Service size: The minimum service for a very pocket-sized building is 100 A and twenty circuits. Information technology is appropriate to do load calculations for larger places.
Underground – Utilize XLP-Use for secret wiring, with AWG copper minimum.
Protecting cables and conduits: Conductors must exist inside a cord or trench. They can also be inside a raceway or cable tray.
Outdoor receptacle: Each dwelling must have one forepart and i rear receptacle, which is hands accessible. It is advised it should be located no more 6 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 away from the pool if without GFCI. If the receptacle is GFCI protected, it can exist located no closer than 6ft.
Light fixtures located outdoors practise not require GFCI protection.
Low voltage light fixtures should not be any nearer than 5ft to indoorwater structures similar spas and pools.
Telephone and other types ofwiring should be located at least 10ft abroad from the peak of theh2o surface of indoorwater structures.
Undergroundwiring must be covered with conduit.
Buried underground or exposedwiring must always be listed for its employ. UF cable type is best known for underground purposes as it tin can be dug and settled underground without the use of a conduit.
Wiring carrying equal to or less than xxx volts must be located 6 inches deep underground.

What size wire goes from meter to panel?

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

What size wire do 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'south 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 adept for 400 amps?

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

Is 400 amp service enough for you?

This should be more than plenty for small and medium-sized homes. Information technology is platonic for larger homes with many electric appliances and cooling devices similar 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 solidwire?

Solid and stranded versions meet a lot of apply in electrical equipment, just how are they different? A solid type 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. It is as well significantly more malleable and does not split or go damaged in devices and control panels. They are frequently 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 high durability and heavy current. This can includeporch areas and backyards. It can fifty-fifty exist set upward in thegaragdue east where you demand 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 electric parts of vehicles and bigbuildings.

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

Both of these are used as safety nets to completely stop the flow of the excursion if at that place is an overload. Even so, in that location are some differences between the two.

The biggest departure between the two is a fuse is a self-destructingmetallic piece. It melts when there is an overload to protect the circuit. A Miniature circuitbreaker has a switch that trips when there is an overflow of electric current or a error.

It substantially ways that a fuse volition take to be replaced every time there is an overload. An MCB can be used again and again. Some other disadvantage of the fuse is that it doesn't betoken an overload and must be checked every fourth dimension.

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

Therefore a Miniature circuitbreaker ispreferable over a fuse for your dwelling house.

How practise you read wire size charts?

Find out the requirement of amps.

You're going to accept 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 corresponding volts.
Find the ideal type of wiring.

When it comes to the type of wiring, at that place are enough of options in the market place. You tin get the cheaper route with aluminum or choose the more sturdy and high current-carrying copper. Some people even choose precious argent in some places. While aluminum is more flexible, copper is tougher.
Read a wire size nautical chart using the higher up values.

In the row department, look for the material. Information technology can either be copper or aluminum. In the cavalcade department, expect for the voltage department to observe the ampacity you require for your project. After you have done this, look for the intersection of the 2. Y'all'll easily discover the wire size or AWG you demand to purchase. Voila! You lot're one footstep closer to becoming an electrical expert!

Information technology is an essential skill if you're simply getting into electric 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.