What Size Wire for 100 Amps at 50 Feet?

Answer
3 AWG copper

At 50 ft one way on a 240 V circuit, 3 AWG copper keeps voltage drop at 1.02%, under the recommended 3%. Ampacity alone would allow 3 AWG, but voltage drop decides the size at this distance. In aluminum, use 1 AWG.

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A
%
3% branch, 5% total (NEC note)
Phase
Conductor
Recommended wire
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How we calculated this

    For estimating and educational purposes only. Results are approximate and are not a substitute for a licensed professional, the manufacturer's instructions or your local code. Disclaimer

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    Voltage drop by wire size (100 A, 50 ft, 240 V)

    Copper wireDrop (V)Drop (%)Within 3%
    3 AWG2.45 V1.02%✓
    2 AWG1.94 V0.81%✓
    1 AWG1.54 V0.64%✓
    1/0 AWG1.22 V0.51%✓
    2/0 AWG0.97 V0.40%✓

    Voltage drop = 2 × 50 ft × 100 A × resistance ÷ 1000. Keeping it under 3% on branch circuits (5% total) is the NEC recommendation in the informational notes to 210.19 and 215.2.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is 3 AWG enough for 100 amps at 50 feet?

    It carries 100 A, but at 50 ft the voltage drop is 1.0%, which is acceptable.

    Does the distance include the return wire?

    No. Enter the one-way distance; the formula already counts both conductors.

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