What Size Wire for 50 Amps at 200 Feet?

Answer
4 AWG copper

At 200 ft one way on a 240 V circuit, 4 AWG copper keeps voltage drop at 2.57%, under the recommended 3%. Ampacity alone would allow 8 AWG, but voltage drop decides the size at this distance. In aluminum, use 2 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 (50 A, 200 ft, 240 V)

    Copper wireDrop (V)Drop (%)Within 3%
    8 AWG15.28 V6.37%✗
    6 AWG9.82 V4.09%✗
    4 AWG6.16 V2.57%✓
    3 AWG4.90 V2.04%✓
    2 AWG3.88 V1.62%✓

    Voltage drop = 2 × 200 ft × 50 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 8 AWG enough for 50 amps at 200 feet?

    It carries 50 A, but at 200 ft the voltage drop is 6.4%. That is over 3%, so the next size up is recommended.

    Does the distance include the return wire?

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

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