What Size Underground Wire For 125 Amp Service

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

In a hurry? Buying recommendations

We've got you lot covered if you want to buy a excursion breaker or a sub-console. We can also aid y'all with a transfer switch or fuse for your 70 to 600amp service needs. We've found all the products we recommend based on NEC's nautical chart to ensure condom.

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A Dominion of Thumb: What are the rightwireast sizes for lxx toAmp Service &Breakers?

What electrical components do I need for a projection? The rule of thumb that techs will usually go by is that for a70 amp circuit breaker, 4-estimate copper wireis the correct one to go with. For an80amp, you need a 4-gauge copperwire. For a100amp service, you will need a one-gaugdue eastwire.

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

Information technology'southward important to realize that these rules of thumb come with certain limitations, such as the material and the ambient temperature.

We'll get into it and share a wire ampacity rating chart for people who know what a gauge is and its importance. Employ it to figure out what it is that you lot need. Scroll down a piffling scrap.

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

The chart below canshow y'all the wire size for 70, 80, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 600amp of service. Scroll down the page a little bit further.

Tabular array of content

A Rule of Thumb
Amounts
What is agauge?
Choosing the right one
What happens when you choose the incorrect i
But if you find yourself having the incorrect ane, hither are the things that might happen.
Standardwiregauge chart

A Dominion of Thumb

We encourage you to await at the chart below to find the right products for your project. There are general rules of thumb that techs go past, which we take included in the chart.

Nosotros've got the chart you need to run across the electrical cable 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.sixteen.

Gcircularwire, service entrance, excursion,breaker size chart rating
Service or Feeder Rating (amp)	Aluminum conductor	Copper conductor
70	#2 AWG	#4 AWG
80	#1 AWG	#3 AWG
100	#1/0 AWG	#ane AWG
125	#3/0 AWG	#1/0 AWG
150	#4/0 AWG	#iii/0 AWG
200	350 kcmil	250 kcmil
300	700 kcmil	500 kcmil
400	i,250 kcmil	750 kcmil
600	2,000 kcmil (194°F)	1,500 kcmil (167°F)

Amounts

Suppose yous are unsure of which type of fabric you are dealing with or don't know the correct temperature. We always suggest erring on the side of caution. For that reason, our recommendations will always suggest a safe pick given the ambience temperature. It'due south always ameliorate to cull a bigger diameter if you are unsure about any conditions that could influence the performance.

threescoreamp

As you tin can see, yous will desire a half-dozen gauge wire for 60 amp. If you're more cautious, a 4 AWG is great. That is assuming the right weather condition, such as temperature.

Let'south say yous accept an eight-gaugeastward and a 10-rated lying around at home. You desire to know if you lot can utilise these with the circuitsuspensioner. The 8-gauge nor the x-gauge can be coupled with thisbreaker. Just have a wait at the chart farther downwards the folio.

lxxamp

For 70amp, the rightwire is either agaugeast 3aluminum or agauge four copper. That is, assuming there aren't other factors impacting the operation.

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

eightyamp

If you're working with an 80amp service, y'all demand agaugdue east 4 copperwirdue east. 80 amp service will need to be a two AWG if you are going foraluminum instead. Be sure you get the right one for your subpanel andbreaker!

100amp

The rule of thumb for100amp service is that you go with awiresize 1. However, that is only if you don't consider the material. We'll get into a trivial bit more detail beneath.

You need to get a gauge 1 made of aluminum for a sub-panel, whereas a 3 will work if it is copper. It applies to both a breaker & sub-panel. These recommendations are based on conductor temperature ratings of 167°F.

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

Name

Best service wire

WindyNation

All-time transfer switch

Xantrex 81-2010-12

Best breaker

Picture

Best sub panel

Picture

Best service wire

Picture

Best transfer switch

Picture

125amp

The correctwire for 125amp service is agauge ane copper or a ii/0aluminum to be on the prophylactic side. Look at the table beneath to see the sub panel andbreaker nosotros recommend for 125 amps of service.

Product

All-time breaker box

Breaker box

Best wire

Best breaker box

B01F76VJ3I

150amp

For 150amp, you need a 3/0wire size fabricated ofaluminum. Otherwise, a one/0 is thesmallest yous can go with when looking at copper.

Suppose you have a circuitbreaker at dwelling with this rating, and you would like to apply it.

You will need ane/0-gauge copper at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 2/0-gaugeastaluminum 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 made of copper. Here's a table with the unlike sub-panel andintermissioners we recommend for thispower level.

Name

Best sub panel

Siemens W0202MB1200CU

Best transfer switch

Siemens DTGNF224NR

Best billow

Pic

All-time sub panel

Film

Best wire

Pic

Best transfer switch

Picture

300amp

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

400amp

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

600amp

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

Fullwire size chart for 70, eighty, 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
fourteen	—	—	20	20	25	20
12	20	25	25	25	thirty	twenty
10	thirty	35	30	35	forty	xxx
8	40	45	40	l	55	40
6	50	threescore	55	65	75	50
4	65	75	70	85	95	65
3	75	85	85	100	110	75
2	90	100	95	115	130	ninety
1	100	115	110	130	145	100
ane/0	120	135	125	150	170	120
2/0	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
thou	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 diameter of the product. This determines how much electrical electric current it tin can safely carry. If you have always been to the electrical department of a hardwarestordue east, you will notice it comes in several options.

Instead of referring to its actual thickness, people use its gauge. 6 and 4 are just some of the numbers you'll meet. You lot could besides come up across gauges like one/0, 2/0, and 3/0.

It is inversely proportional to the diameter. It means the higher the number, thesmall-scaleer the diameter. If it is non written on the production itself or is unclear, yous can use a thickness tool to make up one's mind it. Getting the right diameter is important considering it determines the maximum current it tin can safely handle. Using an incorrect i could pb to serious problems 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 employ the AWG as the unit of measure. Other countries use the Imperial Standard, defined past the British Lath of Trade.

Make sure to read 2 of our other resources on Thermo King alarm codes and an in-depth wait atweldinggas orwelding glasses.

Choosing the correct 1

They usually burn down if you employ the wrong ane. It is appropriate to know the correct i toprevent this from happening. The bad matter is that about people are not aware that your choice makes a departure. People frequently brand the connections themselves without consulting or calling a licensed electrician. It could lead to serious issues when washed incorrectly.

When the setup involves the excursionbreaker, you lot should have extraprecautions. Installing the right components will greatlyprevent common problems from happening. In virtually cases, issues arise considering of an incorrect 1. The different electrical components always need to exist compatible with i another.

If you take a lxamp circuitinterruptioner for yourwaterruter, read the next department every bit we guide y'all to empathize the basics. We'll ensure y'all know which products become with your clothesdryer orair conditioner.

What happens when you choose the wrong one

It is a mutual misconception for people to call back that as long equally the ends of thewire fit a connector, at that place will be no bug. It is not the case for circuitbreakers. People unaware of their importance frequently use besides small gauges to connect their circuit breakers. Smaller diameter ones are cheaper than the bigger ones. Unaware people often go for the cheaper ones, thinking it will not make any difference. Sadly, information technology will only cost them more than in the long run.

Using a larger 1 for your circuitsuspensioner is often the best manner to become. The just negative effect this has is your budget, which will price you more upfront. When picking a larger i, you lot spend more than what y'all may demand. Withal, it volition not cause whatsoever damage to your circuitbreaker. Instead, it tin can ameliorate handle the electric current flowing through it.

But if you detect yourself having the incorrect one, here are the things that might happen.

Consequences
Driblet-in performance	Melted insulation
Fire	Damaged equipment

A drop in performance

If you connect appliances to a circuitbreaker using too small one, achieving elevation efficiency may be impossible. The appliances can merely receive a function of the free energy required to operate at peak performance. In consequence, your appliances volition be unlikely to accomplish their optimal performance.

Yous may have a 15amp circuitbreaker that yous need to use for lite fixtures at dwelling. At best, using anything less than the recommended 14-estimate could lead to functioning bug. For electrical furnaces, you need at least a 4 because of the amount of current they consume.

Brand sure to see what the requirement are, whether you are welding or powering ametal lathe. If non, you might be using the wrongcord. It could lead to suboptimal performance, at best.

It tin first a burn

Incorrect wire size and amp rating causing burning wire

Fire is the worst-example caused by a burning electric component that starts. Although mod circuit breakers take safe measures, they may not be enough if the load is also much.

A common rubber measure formodern circuitbreakers is the trip machinery. When the excursionbreaker experiences an overload, it will trip to cut the current from passing through. It helpsprevent whatever damage from happening. Even so, having a trip mechanism does non fullyprevent a fire from happening.

Melted insulation

Asmaller bore tin can handle less current, making them more resistant to free energy flow. If the diameter is fashion smaller for your circuit breaker, the current flowing is more than it can handle. Due to high resistance, oestrus generates and will eventually pb to melting.

Impairment to the equipment

Aside from performance drib issues and the possibility of starting a fire, using asmall-scaleer one may impairment your equipment. When the power supply is not stable, information technology may bust your equipment.

Standard wire gauge chart

You should know that information technology is of import to accept a licensed electrician handle any electrical work. Information technology helps to know some bones electrical things, such as the correctgaugeastward. The nautical chart electricians utilise as their reference volition differ depending on the region.

Using astandard measurement instrument is easy to answer your questions almost the production's diameter. We use the AWG arrangement in the United states of america to determine it. The AWG defines the diameter of solid round wires, otherwise known as the gauge. Given the various conditions, the capacity is the highest current it tin handle. The textile information technology 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. It means an 8-gauge can back up a higher capacity than a x. The chart below defines the diameter in inches and millimeters. The chart should assist decide which one to choose.

The i with the largest bore is the 0000, while thesmallest is the 40. The erstwhile lets more energy menses through it at any given time than thesmaller ones will.

Ofttimes Asked Questions

Let united states of america await at other queries and questions that commonly pop up in electrical work.

Wire versus Cable

Both of the in a higher place terms may seem interchangeable to many folks, but few know the significance of each. The basic wire is one conductor, whereas a cable has many different conductors grouped. An outer layer of the sheath protects the cables. The wire normally goes bare or has a PVC coating on pinnacle to protect and prevent accidents.

The wire unit of measurement is thegauge or thickness we take referred to above. 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 telecommunications signals and other small parts similar bulbs and vehicle parts. On the other paw, the cables ship huge loads of electrical currents.

The cable types include coaxial cable and twisted pair cable. It tin can as well include multi-usher cable and fiber-optic cable. A multi-conductor tabular array means joining many unlike cables. Its goal is to reduce noise and cantankerous-talk. Coaxial cables consist of 2 conductors running parallel to them, one inside and one outside. These are generally used in televisions. Y'all'll mostly observe the twisted pair blazon wherever data and telecommunication transportation is required. Since the twisting of the 2 conductors reduces noise, it is perfect for transmitting data signals through long distances.

Is it 'Gauge' or 'AWG'?

AmericanWireastwardGauge is often referred to as AWG. It is the standard used in most of North America and refers to thickness. It is used to denote the current carrying capacity of the wire and the cross-sectional expanse. Using this standard means yous can purchase a 14 AWG wire from two unlike vendors. You volition find they are the same thickness. The 'approximate' tin can be used as a shortened manner of expressing AWG, but the seller must e'er confirm this. Sometimes manufacturers use the term 'approximate' to market cables that are certainly not in AWG units.

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

The chief panel is also known every bit the service entrance panel. Here the power visitor'south current kickoff enters the home and is further distributed to the residuum of the household. Information technology'south as well the first prophylactic cyberspace that protects your home from whatsoever kind of electric harm or fires. Suppose you doubtable any faults in the circuit. You lot tin directly switch off the primary console and take your home out of the power filigree of the electricity supplier.

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

Sub-panels are different as they have their power from the main console. Their main purpose is to help you organize your home's electrical circuit in a manageable manner. You could likewise utilise a sub-panel to avoid overcrowding in the chief panel. Overloading is a serious fire hazard. You can avoid this by distributing your domicile into the area, each having its sub-panel.

Subpanels can besides isolate sure areas that have different power usage. For instance, a garage workshop will put a great load on the main console with its heavy machinery. You tin avoid this by setting up a divide sub-panel for the garage. Yous tin isolate the surface area with the problem and turn off the respective surface area's sub-console in any brusk or fault. At the same time, the rest of the house tin can remain powered as usual.

What is the deviation between Neutral and Earth lines?

The simplest way to explain the Neutral and globe lines is to look 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 menses. The earth line is the safety net during the entire process.

World line: The fluctuation of alternating current in household or workplace employ can be unsafe if non directed elsewhere. That is why the earth line makes sure to accept the extra current directly into the ground then 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 current-costless.

Neutral line: This line is a return path for the alternating current, connecting the flow to its origin point. Even though it carries no electric current, the circuit is incomplete without this line. It is also known as the zero potential point. The return path provides a way to make the total of the electric current zero. 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 current discharge.

What is a base meter? When is it fourth dimension for a replacement?

A base of operations meter is a protective enclosure acircular the electrical meter to go along 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 information technology to the master power panel of the house. Although the power utility visitor provides the meter box, the homeowner is responsible for all other attachments. Keeping the meter box and meter base of operations in the appropriate condition is important for the business firm to exist powered.

Suppose you spot any of the post-obit 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 you spot any visible damage to your meter box and base, it also may be time for a replacement. It can include corrosion on the within or outside due to the atmospheric condition conditions or torn and broken wires. Apart from all these weather condition, updating meters to standard building and electricity codes is a major reason to get your meter base of operations replaced. It is common for meter boxes to upgrade to a 200A chapters as older homes generally accept 60A chapters meters insalpineed. If you have a large home or property, a 400A chapters meter would be more than appropriate.

What is the National Electrical Code?

The NEC is used as abenchmark for safe electric installation and inspection in all l United States of America. It is part of the publication by the National Burn down Protection Clan. Although it is not established past federal law, all states ordinarily follow information technology.

Basic NEC rules and Codes

Size of circuitbreaker: 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 blueprint guidelines: lights and outlets should exist set up up on different circuits. This will allow maximum loading on calorie-free circuits and leave chapters for other outlets.
Outlets circuits must have GFI protection if located in residential locations. Any identify with portable equipment and machinery must too have GFI outlets. This includes any garage areas and workshops. It can as well include shops and warehouses. Each slice of fixed machinery like drill presses or welding machines must also have its GFI-protected circuit.
Service size: The minimum service for a very modest building is 100 A and 20 circuits. It is appropriate to practice load calculations for larger places.
Underground – Employ XLP-USE for underground wiring, with AWG copper minimum.
Protecting cables and conduits: Conductors must exist inside a cord or trench. They can likewise be within a raceway or cable tray.
Outdoor receptacle: Each home must take 1 front end and one rear receptacle, which is easily accessible. It is brash it should exist located no more than 6 and a half feet above the ground.
Receptacles used to supply ability to the pumps and motors of spas and pools must be at to the lowest degree 10ft away from the pool if without GFCI. If the receptacle is GFCI protected, it can be located no closer than 6ft.
Light fixtures located outdoors do not require GFCI protection.
Low voltage calorie-free fixtures should non be any nearer than 5ft to indoorwater structures similar spas and pools.
Telephone and other types ofwiring should exist located at least 10ft abroad from the top of theh2o 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 best known for underground purposes equally information technology can be dug and settled underground without the apply of a conduit.
Wiring carrying equal to or less than thirty volts must exist located vi inches deep underground.

What size wire goes from meter to panel?

AWG4 in copper is the usual size to apply. The panel is also known as the billow box. Y'all volition need a sturdy and well-insulated wire to prevent loss of electric current and accidents in this expanse. Y'all will demand both a footing wire and a neutral wire running from the meter box. The neutral wire will meliorate the effectiveness of the excursion and push dorsum any straying current back into the circuit. The ground wire is run for protective measures to prevent the current fluctuations from damaging the circuit wiring. For this purpose, you can employ AWG4 in copper material.

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

You're going to need something thick and durable for something of this voltage. This is why it'due 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 skillful for 400 amps?

For 400 amp service, you volition demand 400AWG or 350copper amps betwixt the pole and the new electrical service and circuit 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 different for y'all cost-wise.

Is 400 amp service enough for you?

This should be more than than plenty for small-scale and medium-sized homes. It is ideal for larger homes with many electrical appliances and cooling devices like 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 see a lot of use in electric equipment, but how are they dissimilar? 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. It is besides significantly more malleable and does not dissever or get damaged in devices and control panels. They are often 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 ideal for spaces requiring loftier durability and heavy current. This can includeporch areas and backyards. It can fifty-fifty exist ready in thegarage where you demand to power heavy equipment likedrillprintinges and chainsaws. The thick size and loftier resistance to weather atmospheric condition mean it can be used widely in the electric parts of vehicles and largebuildings.

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

Both of these are used as safety nets to completely cease the period of the circuit if in that location is an overload. However, at that place are some differences between the two.

The biggest difference between the ii is a fuse is a self-destructingmetallic slice. It melts when there is an overload to protect the circuit. A Miniature excursioninterruptioner has a switch that trips when there is an overflow of current or a mistake.

It essentially means that a fuse will have to be replaced every time there is an overload. An MCB can exist used again and over again. Another 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 also very different. While a fuse detects thermal and electric properties, an MCB works on electromagnetic principles.

A fuse is significantly cheaper than an MCB. It is ideal for homeowners who require acheap, low-pauseing capacity selection.

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

How do you read wire size charts?

Notice 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 lot'll demand in the projection. This will exist calculated using the number of devices and their corresponding volts.
Find the ideal blazon of wiring.

When information technology comes to the blazon of wiring, there are enough of options in the market. Y'all tin become the cheaper route with aluminum or cull the more sturdy and high current-carrying copper. Some people even choose 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 tin either be copper or aluminum. In the cavalcade department, look for the voltage department to find the ampacity you crave for your project. After you lot have done this, look for the intersection of the ii. You'll hands notice the wire size or AWG you lot need to purchase. Voila! You're one step closer to becoming an electrical proficient!

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 higher up values.