The amp rating of a particular wire size will change in response to the temperature and material.Ĭopper has a greater conductivity than aluminum. Why does the amperage change? The table answers all those questions as well. Which is it? Can you pair 4-gauge cables with all those amp ratings? This table shows the different amp ratings for 4-gauge wire in relation to variables like material and temperature rating. NEC expect consumers to pair 70A breakers with 4AWG. You can also use a larger ground wire than all the other wires because it has less resistance. The ground wire is a defensive component that directs the current to the earth when a malfunction occurs. You can use the same gauge for the hot, neutral, and ground wires. Long cables are more likely to overheat because they have a higher resistance. If you have a substantial load, it could start a fire. Some of your devices will stop working altogether because the cable cannot transmit the minimum power they require. Conductors with small diameters create performance problems because of the voltage drop. You are better off getting a thicker cable than you need, just in case the load exceeds the breaker’s capacity, and it fails to trip. 1AWG can accommodate as much as 145 amps. 4AWG is not the highest gauge on the market. But you can get a thicker cable if you want to leave room for expansion down the line. You need a thicker cable if you prefer aluminum. It is the safest option, especially if the conductors are copper. The best wire size for a 70 amp service is 4AWG. Those other factors only matter if you’re tempted to experiment with cables of a lower gauge. Additionally, the soil’s thermal resistivity is just as important (if you want to bury the cable). I also want you to limit the voltage drop to 3 percent. I want you to consider factors like the ambient temperature, material, installation method, and more. What Size Wire For A 70-Amp Subpanel?ĤAWG is the best wire size for a 70 amp subpanel (2AWG for aluminum). But 4AWG is still better, especially for people that want a stable power supply to run welders, drills, and other heavy-duty tools. You can also use 6 THHN wire because it can accommodate 55 – 70 amps. They know that 4-gauge conductors can transmit 70 to 85 amps of current without overheating. You need a gauge that can withstand that spike, which is why most electricians use 4AWG copper wire for 70 amps. Some appliances will double or even triple their electrical draw when they start. But that is not an excuse to use thin wires. The NEC encourages consumers to limit the load to 80 percent of the circuit’s capacity. Your choice will influence the safety and security of your home. Therefore, you should select the breaker wire carefully. They will overheat and melt long before the 60-amp breaker trips. If you force the wires to carry more than 60 amps, the 60A breaker will trip, preventing the wires from overheating.īut what if the wires are just 10AWG? 10-gauge cables can withstand 35 to 40 amps. The breaker is supposed to protect the cables.įor instance, 6AWG is suitable for 60A breakers. Also, match each breaker to the correct wire size. If you prefer the cheaper option, get 2AWG aluminum cables.
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