60 AMP SUB PANEL INSTALL

3 AWG copper wire is the 60 amp sub panel wire size if the main’s 150 feet away and assuming the voltage drop reaches as high as 30%.These recommendations make the setup future proof as well. begins to exceed the 5% safety threshold).Īssuming you won’t be using tools like a welder that may overload the circuit, we arrive at the following recommendations for setups of 150 feet or 200 feet at 220V/240V. However, we can’t deny that most electricians agree that runs over 100 feet are when voltage drop percentages become risky (i.e. That’s not always a static figure, mind you, since it’s also affected by other factors such as wire count and material. 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.

60 AMP SUB PANEL 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.