In that case, there might not be an issue if the wire size is slightly inferior.
It is because the ground wires only carry current when there is a short circuit. The wire sizes for grounding are slightly different from those used for hot and neutral lines. The single-phase circuits are used in houses, and 3-phases are used in industries as it carries higher loads better. There are two common phases – single phase and 3-phase.Ī single phase needs 3 wires, but 3-phase requires 4, one being the ground wire. The number of phases refers to the load distribution. The term may sound doubtful, but it is easy to understand. Generally, 120 volts is the standard source voltage in the United States.īut, some industries may have a different voltage. The source voltage can differ from place to place.
If you have increased the electric circuit in your house, you should consider the source voltage. If the wire diameter is thin, it won’t be able to carry the voltage drop. The wire gauge should be thick and superior if the voltage drop is high. The wire size will vary depending on the voltage drop. The standard voltage drop is considered to be 3%.īut, it can also drop to 5%, but that’s the maximum. In a circuit with 240 volts, the voltage should be up to 233v. Voltage drop refers to voltage loss because of the resistance when the current flows through the wires to appliances.įor example, if the voltage drop is 3%, in a circuit of 120 volts, the voltage should stay within 117 volts.
100 amp aluminum wire size install#
However, if you install a 50 amp appliance in a 100 amp service 200 feet away, you need a 0 AWG wire.Īs you can see, the wire size for 100 amps changes along with the distance. 4 AWG copper wires, 250 kcmil in diameterįor running wires in 100 amp service 200 feet away, the wire size will be the same, i.e., 2 AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum.If you want to run wires for 100 amp service 300 feet away, use: 1/0 AWG copper wire or 3/0 AWG aluminum or copper-clad wire for 3-phase circuits.2/0 AWG copper wire or 4/0 AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum wire for single-phase circuits.If you want to run wires for 100 amp service 150 feet distance, you should get: Run only a kcmil wire for 100 feet or less.For 150 feet or less, use a #4/0 copper.For 100 feet or less, use a #3/0 copper wire.For 50 feet distance or less, use a #2/0 copper wire or #4/0 aluminum wire.The wire material will also determine the wire size for the estimated distance between the meter base and the electrical panel. The maximum voltage drop to be used while deciding the wire size is only 3%. You should know the length of your service line from the meter to the electrical service panel before you decide on the wire size. The distance will decide the wire size of the 100 amp service. While deciding the wire size, you must limit the voltage drop to 3%.
If you use aluminum or copper-clad aluminum wires, you need a #2 AWG wire. You must have a #4 AWG wire if you use copper wires. The wire size is different for 100 amp if you use wires with different materials. You will need to use the wire from the breaker panel if the electrical load is quite a long distance.Ī copper wire with 2 AWG would be a good choice.īut, the size changes depending on factors like wire material, distance, voltage drop, phases, etc. The best gauge wire for a 100 amp service should be #2 AWG. What size of wire should I use for 100 amp service?
100 amp aluminum wire size upgrade#
However, some people do not use the 100 amp service because they want to avoid bearing the installation and upgrade costs of their home service. You can use the service for areas with multiple heating appliances, like Fire Stations.Įven small residential locations are ideal, like houses where people use electrical appliances to speed up their life. You can install a 100 amp service in commercial applications, like large office buildings with multiple air conditioners or in server rooms with many computers. Wire Size for 100 Amp Electric Service: Complete Guide
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