0
A #3 copper conductor with an insulation factor of 75 and 90 degrees C is rated at 100 and 105 respectively. Even though the wire is rated at this amperage it can only be loaded to 80% capacity to conform with the electrical code requirements. To calculate if a 100 amp sub panel will be large enough, the connected load that you are going to connect to should be considered. If the total connected load is not over 80 and 84 amps respectively the #3 wire will pass inspection. Also check to see if the sub-panel that you are going to install is rated for 100% or 80% load rated.
A #2 copper conductor with an insulation factor of 75 and 90 degrees C
is rated at 115 and 120 amps respectively. The 80% de-rate still has to be applied. 115 x .8 = 92, 120 x .8 = 96.
A #1 copper conductor with an insulation factor of 75 and 90 degrees C
is rated at 130 and 140 amps respectively. The 80% de-rate still has to be applied. 130 x .8 = 104, 140 x .8 = 112.
<<>>
Warning
100A is a lot of current. It can easily overheat any bad connection. (I have a power supply that will put out 100A. I've melted screws and ignited pennies with it.) You need to consult code for a project this large. You must consult a wire size table and calculate the correct size cable for the run length. You cannot just stumble through it on your own. A mistake will start a fire.
Call en electrician and get an estimate. Go to the library and read about this, please. Negligence is fatal with electricity.
AnswerIf you have to ask, go with copper. Aluminimum is cheaper, but special precautions must be taken and special wiring devices must be used to be safe. You cannot use aluminimum like you would copper!For copper, you need at least #2 wire for a run under 50ft.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What size wire should be used from main panel to 50 watt subpanel?
#6 wire is needed. If placing the subpanel in a garage at a good distance, it is recommended to also install a seperate ground rod .
What size wire is best to run for a breaker box piggy back from another breaker box?
The wire is sized to the breaker in the main box that is feeding the subpanel. The calculations for the subpanel is based on what devices will use the subpanel and an estimate of duty factors for the devices. An electrician can provide this information, or you can look on-line in the National Electric Code for estimation methods.
Is it unsafe to have 60A service going into a new electrical box designed for 100A?
Its not recommended because your new main breaker will allow up to 100 amps and your old wire can only safely handle 60amps. If you put a 60amp main breaker in the new box, that would be acceptable. No, it is perfectly safe. Because the box is overrated, there is no problem. If the box is the main panel, and not a subpanel, install a 60A main breaker so you cannot overload your service. If it is a subpanel this 60A breaker should be in the main panel.
How do you wire into the main power supply when installing a 50 amp electrical box for a small shop?
Ideally you need two open breaker locations adjacent to each other. Install a 2-pole breaker to supply 120/240 volts. Rating of breaker should 50 A to subpanel. Do not bond neutral and ground in the subpanel.
What gauge wire to use for a sub panel?
That would depend upon how many amps will be used in the sub-panel. For example, a 30-A subpanel would need a minimum of 10 AWG feeder conductors.
How do you upgrade the service from a 120V 100A circuit breaker to 240V 30A for appliances like ovens and dryers?
Have an electrician wire you a proper line for the appliance. You were just kidding about the 100A, right? 10, or 20amp, not 100.
What is the max amps for a 4 gauge wire can 4 gauge feed a 100A breaker box?
Yes, # 4 AWG copper and 100 amps is the max.
Can 60A service in an older home be upgraded by adding a newer subpanel or do you have to add a new panel with a bigger wire?
More than likely you'll have to get a new panel with larger wire. The power company may have to come in and upsize their wire to your house as well. And you'll have to get a larger meter can. Fun, isn't it? :)
Can you use a 200 amp subpanel on a 100 amp branch circuit?
Yes you can, but it is all about distribution of the load. You still have a maximum limiting current of 150 Amps. So if you did use 100 amps on the sub-panel that would only leave 50 amps on the main. Since power usage is usually not constant and varies by day and situation, you just need to make sure the load is distributed so you don't start tripping breakers.
What size wire do you need you need run about 50000 plus watts of electricity The barn sits 300 feet from the main power box?
That certainly is a lot!! It sounds like you will need to install a 200 Amp subpanel in your barn. This means that your main power box will have to have room for a 2-pole 200 Amp breaker, in addition to whatever other main breakers that may be in it. As far as wiring: normally you could go with 3/0 copper, or 4/0 aluminum. However, with a 300-foot run, I would size up my wire by at least one. 4/0 for copper, or 250kcmil for aluminum MINIMUM. You only want a maximum of a 5% voltage drop from the main breaker to the barn's subpanel. Using the smaller wire size will probably give you a drastic voltage drop, causing tools to not work properly. Be certain the wire gets buried 18-24 inches below the ground.
What size of electrical wire needed for 100A circuit breaker?
A #3 copper conductor with an insulation factor of 90 degrees C is rated for 105 amps.
100 amp subpanel from 200amp service what size wire do you use?
A #4 copper conductor with an insulation factor of 75 or 90 degrees C is rated at 85 amps.
