It can be very risky to choose the wrong wire for an electrical panel. Choosing the wrong wire for 80 amps can result in a fire hazard.
What is the 80 amp wire size?
For an 80 amp service, a 4-gauge copper wire can be used. You can also use 3 or 2 gauge aluminum wire for 80 amp. You can choose either aluminum or copper. But the wire size mostly depends on variables like voltage or distance. Also, the temperature can be a vital factor in choosing wire for 80 amp.
You might still be in the blue about this matter. Don’t worry, this whole article is just to clear your head out. Read the detailed article to know more in-depth!
What is 80 Amp!
Service with 80 amps delivers enough power to heat a small home without electricity. This can power an electric range and dryer, as well as provide general illumination.
The 80-amp circuit is intended for use in heavy-duty situations.
Like a welding machine or other heavy-duty household machine. If you are thinking about small machines.
For example, Air conditioners, sump pumps, and a variety of kitchen equipment. They can all be powered by 20 amps.
Dryers, cookers, electric heaters and window air conditioners can all be powered by 30 amps. To power a cooktop, you’ll need to know about the wire size for 40 amps. 80 amps may be sufficient for large electric water heaters and furnaces.
If you’re looking for the proper wire size for an 80 amp circuit. It’s important to remember that 80 amps are a lot. If you use a little wire, you run the risk of igniting a fire.
80 Amp Wire Size
A wire’s diameter is determined by the gauge. The number is used to represent its diameter. A high number indicates a smaller-sized wire. On the other hand, a low number indicates a larger-sized wire.
Smaller lines, on the other hand, can carry a lot more electricity. They are, however, unable to transfer it safely. They’re more prone to overheating.
A 2-gauge wire is required for 80-amp service. If your current draw reaches 80 amps, you should use 1 gauge. 2/0 is the next size after 1-gauge, followed by 3/0.
When working with copper, you can only use 2 or 3 gauge wire. Copper has a higher capacity than aluminum.
When selecting an 80 amp wire, there are several factors to consider. You’ll need to consider things like the distance you want to cover with the wire.
You should also consider the kind of wire you’ll be using. In general, there are two types of wire for 80 amp applications: aluminum and copper.
As a result, the wire type is distinct from aluminum and copper. Also, the size of the landline and the size of the breaker line wire are different.
Here’s below given some of the more detailed discussion you will need to know.
Ground Copper Wire Size For 80 Amp
The size of the hot, neutral, and ground wires should all be the same. As a result, the hot and neutral wires are both 4 gauge. You will need to consider buying the ground 4 gauge as well.
Hot and neutral wire and ground wire both can be the same size. It can, however, be smaller.
Because the neutral wire transports the same amount of electricity as the hot wire. It is more important to be the same size as the hot wire. It can be safe to check if the ground wire is the same as the hot wires.
Circuit Breaker Copper Wire Size for 80 Amp
Circuit breaker wire should be a little bit thicker than ground wire size. To transmit 80 amps, a 4-gauge wire can be used. Because 4 AWG wire is so thick, usually considered as wire size for 60 amp service.
You can easily rely on it to power a furnace without overheating or causing a fire. 4 AWG produced 12 volts at 80 amps, resulting in a distance of 10 feet.
Ground Aluminum Wire Size for 80 Amp
You can use a 3 gauge aluminum wire in an 80 amp service. At 90° Celsius, a 3 gauge aluminum wire can safely handle 85 amps. But, at 75° Celsius, it can only handle 75 amps.
It may be a little bit more cautious to use a 2 gauge wire for 80 amps. It can handle 75 to 90 amps at temperatures ranging from 75 to 90 degrees Celsius.
Also, it can be neglected and safe using wire size for 70 amp for 80 amp service.
Aluminum Or Copper: Which One Can Choose?
The ampacity of aluminum wire is lower than that of copper wire. The copper wire can carry more current than the aluminum wire of a similar gauge. If you must choose between the two, choose copper.
But, many people choose aluminum since it is less expensive. Keep this in mind as you calculate for your wiring project.
The majority of individuals would prefer to utilize copper. However, it is costly. If you must use aluminum, choose one with a higher gauge.
For instance, suppose you believe you may utilize a 6-gauge copper wire with an 80-amp circuit breaker. You choose 4 or 3-gauge aluminum wire instead.
The higher the wire’s diameter, the better. It’s possible for a wire to be too big, but it can’t be too small. If you’re still unsure, get the biggest wire you can.
Here are some of the fine qualities of copper wire for you. You can choose these wires to wire up your 80 amp service:
| Product 01 | |
| Product 02 |
These wires are top in quality, and they will save your household from any fire hazard.
FAQs
Question: What size wire should I use for a 100 amp circuit?
Answer: You’ll need #4 AWG copper wire or #2 AWG aluminum wire for a 100 AMP service. Regardless of distance, keep your voltage drop to less than 3%.
Question: What is the size of 60 amp wire?
Answer: Electricians and specialists recommend utilizing wire gauges ranging from 6 AWG to 4 AWG for 60-ampere breakers. Because all residential cables are rated at least 600 volts, amperage is the only factor that matters.
Question: Is it possible to utilize 6 gauge wire for a 100-amp service?
Answer: As long as the wire is provided from 60A breakers. You can feed as many 100A sub-panels as you want using the #6 wire. Wires are protected by breakers.
Bottom Line
That’s it from me. Thank you to everyone who has read this far. By now, I hope you know the 80 amp wire size.
If you are having any trouble installing them, hire an electrician. They will determine the appropriate wire size for your circuit.
Best of luck!