![]() In this instance, you may want a larger wire with a higher rating for every 100 ft length.Īs stated above, the recommended wire for 50 amps 240 volts is a 6 gauge wire. Remember that the voltage drop rating increases by 20% for every 100 ft of cable length. FAQsĭue to the percentage of voltage loss, you can only utilize a 6 gauge wire 50 amp for a distance of fewer than 100 ft. Therefore, if your wire material is aluminum or copper-clad aluminum, a 4-gauge conductor size will do. This also means that the equivalent of aluminum wire size is a much bigger size than regular wire size copper. However, in terms of the current capacity rating and resistance, copper is superior to aluminum. Though they are both effective conductors, they differ in terms of efficiency.Īluminum wire is less expensive and much lighter than copper wire. Generally, copper and aluminum are the wires’ primary conductors for circuit installation. ![]() Types of Conductor Used in WireĪnother thing to consider is the conductor used in the wire. Typically, multiple current conductors inside an enclosure generate more heat but should not exceed a temperature of 30☌. This leads us to learn that the best gauge size for a 200-foot wire with a 50 amp circuit is 3/0 AWG.įurthermore, consider the heat dissipation of the wire inside its enclosure, such as conduit, as it can affect the capacity of the wire. Continue to multiply this result by 62.5A, and you’ll learn the actual amp rating is 150A.īased on the total amp rating calculated above, look at the NEC chart and determine the correct gauge size. ![]() However, as the wire is 200 feet long, you’ll need to multiply the gauge by 40% voltage drop, so 6 x 40% equal 2.4. So, the 50 amp circuit divided by 80% is 62.5 amps.Īs mentioned, you’ll need a 6-gauge wire for a 50-amp breaker. You’ll first need to get its standard amp rating by dividing the circuit rating by the 80% safe operating rating. ![]() In this case, the wire size for 50a breakers will change depending on how long the wire is.įor example, you need 200 feet of wire for a 50-amp circuit. As a result, the circuit may have insufficient energy to energize the equipment, causing it to malfunction or get damaged. Every additional 100 feet may experience a 20% voltage drop. Longer wire requirements typically increase resistance and a higher voltage drop. However, aside from checking the NEC chart, there are also factors you may consider, as it may change the recommended wire size depending on your application.įor additional information, here are the factors that may affect the recommended wire size. Using the same chart, you can also calculate different wire ratings, such as 60 amp, by considering the next size that does not exceed the stated rating. This is because the code enforces that equipment under 100 amps should be used at the minimum temperature rating of the wire.Īs a result of the chart, you can see that a typical 55 or 50-amp breaker wire size is 6 gauge. NEC Ampacity tableĪlso, remember that you may only need to refer to a column saying that the wire has been rated 140℉ (60℃). It contains a list of different wire sizes, conductors, and wire temperature ratings for different sizes of circuit breakers. Generally, an NEC (National Electrical Code) wire size chart will help determine each circuit’s recommended wire size. What is the Recommended Gauge Wire for 50 Amp Breaker? What is the Recommended Gauge Wire for 50 Amp Breaker?.
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