#WIRE SIZE TO FEED 100 AMP SUBPANEL INSTALL#

Voltage drop begins to become significant once your conductor is over 100 feet because that often means a 20% drop.

These only mean one thing: We can’t ignore voltage drop when calculating 60 amp wire size for sub panels. In most cases, residential runs range from 100 feet to a little over 200 feet. That means you’re likely working with a box that’s some distance from the main panel.

Some will even argue that your average wire size chart already factors in the 80% load rule.īut, I’ll always be able to counter that by saying you’re playing with fire, especially if you know that your wires stretch over 100 feet or more and you plan to do future expansions. Still, if you settle for the minimum 6 AWG wire for 60 amp breaker, you will still essentially conform to NEC guidelines. More importantly, this choice adheres to the safety recommendation that you shouldn’t let the breaker load exceed 80% of the service’s total ampacity.

#WIRE SIZE TO FEED 100 AMP SUBPANEL INSTALL#

Many property owners thank their past selves for making the decision to oversize, since they won’t have to take the wire out and install a new one. Sure, the cables may become more costly, heavier, and less flexible, but do those downsides compare to the risks of electric fires and your appliances and gadgets failing? After all, is there any serious harm in picking a bigger wire size for 60 amp breaker, as long as it’s still compatible with that ampacity? Using a 4 AWG wire bumps your ampacity to up to 85A at 75☌ or 65A if we’re considering wire size aluminum.Ĥ AWG is the wire size for 60 amp 220V that most pros will recommend. If that’s the case, you may also want to consider using fatter PVC conduits. Why a Larger Size is Arguably the More Suitable Wire Size for 60 Amp Sub Panelįirst and foremost, I don’t recommend sizing at the minimum 6-gauge, especially if you’re planning to expand in the future.

Don’t Forget About the Appliances or Tools You’re Going to Use.

Why a Larger Size is Arguably the More Suitable Wire Size for 60 Amp Sub Panel.

Is this a problem? To go from the 200 amp Main Panel to barn would add an extra 100' roughly as its a long ranch house and would have to go around a big concrete patio. The barn panel will be fed from a 100 amp sub panel in his garage. I mentioned Direct Burial and he said no way, which I don't understand but hey I still have alot to learn.Īnother thing, which may possibly change things. I did ask the master I work for and he said conduit/xhhw. I have been working with a Master Electrician when I can on the side to learn more of the residential stuff. Our apprenticeship has mostly been automation, obviously no residential. Mostly gonna be used for storing stuff, working on cars, four wheelers, etc.įWIW I am a recently graduated electrical apprentice in the auto industry. Is one of these the best option for Direct Burial? Would voltage drop be an issue? As far as load calcualtions the only thing I ever see him using that may draw some amperage is a welder. Also came across Mobile Home Cable in 2/2/2/4 which seems to be similar to the URD Cable. If he goes with direct burial what cable is best? I was looking at URD 2/2/2/4. He wants to go the easiest on the wallet but still meet code, which would probably mean using Direct Burial cable, instead of conduit/single conductors. Brother is building a pole barn (read: family is building the pole barn!).

Wire size to feed 100 amp subpanel