200 Amp Breaker: Wire Size and Uses
Common uses for a 200A breaker
200A main service entrance, whole-house panel. Dwelling service sized per NEC Table 310.15(B)(7): 2/0 AWG copper or 4/0 AWG aluminum for 120/240V single-phase. For general 200A circuits per Table 310.16: 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum.
The 200A breaker or fuse is the modern standard for residential main service. It provides sufficient capacity for a typical 3-4 bedroom home with central air conditioning, an electric range, and an EV charger. Panel upgrades from 100A to 200A are one of the most common electrical projects. For dwelling services, Table 310.15(B)(7) allows 2/0 AWG copper or 4/0 AWG aluminum - smaller than the general Table 310.16 minimums (3/0 copper or 250 kcmil aluminum). Aluminum is extremely common at this size due to cost.
Wire size for a 200A breaker
The wire must have an ampacity that meets or exceeds the breaker rating at the appropriate temperature column. Here are the minimum wire sizes:
| Material | Minimum wire | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | 2/0 AWG | Standard for residential branch circuits |
| Aluminum | 4/0 AWG | Common for feeders 60A and larger |
These dwelling service sizes are from NEC Table 310.15(B)(7), which allows smaller conductors than Table 310.16 for 120/240V single-phase dwelling services and feeders. For general (non-dwelling) 200A circuits, Table 310.16 at 75°C requires 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum. For long wire runs, check voltage drop - you may need to upsize the wire even though the ampacity is adequate.
Continuous load rule (80% maximum)
For continuous loads - any load expected to run for 3 hours or more - the NEC requires that the load not exceed 80% of the breaker rating (NEC 210.20(A)). On a 200A breaker, the maximum continuous load is 160A.
This is why sizing often seems counterintuitive:
- A 160A continuous load requires a 200A breaker (160 × 1.25 = 200A)
- Non-continuous loads can use the full 200A capacity
- 100% rated breakers exist but are rare in residential panels - assume 80% unless the breaker is specifically listed as 100% rated
Installation notes
Breaker type: A 200A breaker is a double-pole (240V) breaker. Double-pole breakers occupy two adjacent slots in the panel and provide 240V between the two hot conductors. Both poles must trip simultaneously - never use two single-pole breakers tied together with a handle tie for 240V circuits (except as explicitly allowed for specific multi-wire branch circuits).
Ground wire: A 200A circuit requires a minimum 6 AWG copper equipment grounding conductor per NEC Table 250.122.
Standard sizes: 200A is a standard breaker size per NEC 240.6(A). Standard residential breaker sizes are: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200. Non-standard sizes should never be used.
Why does my 200A breaker keep tripping?
A 200A main breaker tripping is rare and usually indicates a serious problem: a short circuit in the service entrance wiring, a failing main breaker (breakers do wear out after decades of thermal cycling), or a genuine whole-house overload during peak demand. If your 200A main trips, do not simply reset it repeatedly. Call an electrician to inspect the service entrance, check for loose connections at the meter base and main lugs, and verify the total connected load hasn't exceeded panel capacity - especially if you've recently added an EV charger, hot tub, or other major circuit.
Frequently asked questions
What wire size for a 200 amp breaker?
2/0 AWG copper or 4/0 AWG aluminum minimum. The wire must have an ampacity at the 75°C column that meets or exceeds 200A. For long runs, you may need to upsize for voltage drop.
What can a 200 amp breaker handle?
200A main service entrance, whole-house panel. For continuous loads (3+ hours), the maximum is 160A (80% of 200A). For non-continuous loads, the full 200A is available.
Can I put a 200A breaker on 2/0 AWG wire?
The breaker must not exceed the wire ampacity. 2/0 AWG copper supports a 200A breaker. Never put a larger breaker on wire that cannot handle it - this defeats the safety purpose of the breaker.
Is 200A a standard breaker size?
Yes. 200A is a standard breaker size per NEC 240.6(A). It is widely available from all major breaker manufacturers (Square D, Eaton, Siemens, GE). Always use the correct breaker brand for your panel - breakers are not interchangeable between panel brands.
Related guides
- 200A wire sizing guide - complete sizing with voltage drop
- Ground wire for 200A circuit
- 2/0 AWG copper ampacity - derating and conduit fill
- 2/0 AWG copper vs aluminum
- 100A vs 200A service comparison
- Copper vs aluminum for feeders
- NEC Article 240: Overcurrent protection
- Ampacity calculator
What to buy
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NEC 2023 references verified April 2026