Wire Size GuideNEC 2023 · 2026 · Updated Apr 2026

What wire size for a 35 amp circuit?

Q: What is the minimum wire size for a 35 amp circuit?

The minimum wire size is 8 AWG copper or 8 AWG aluminum per NEC 2023 Table 310.16 with 110.14(C) termination limits applied. For long runs, you may need to upsize to account for voltage drop. See the max distance table above.

Q: Can I use aluminum wire for a 35 amp circuit?

Yes. 8 AWG aluminum handles 35A. Aluminum requires anti-oxidant compound and AL-rated terminals (marked AL/CU on the device). It costs roughly 40-60% less than copper but requires a larger gauge for equivalent ampacity. See the 8 AWG copper vs aluminum comparison.

Q: How far can I run 8 AWG wire on a 35 amp circuit?

At 240V, 8 AWG copper can run approximately 132 feet before exceeding the 3% voltage drop recommendation. For longer distances, upsize to the next gauge. Use the voltage drop calculator for your exact scenario.

Q: What breaker size for a 35 amp circuit?

Use a 35A breaker. The breaker must match the circuit rating, not the wire ampacity. For continuous loads (like EV chargers), the breaker must be rated at 125% of the load per NEC 210.19(A)(1).

For a 35A circuit on a 35A breaker: Use 8 AWG copper (50A capacity) or 8 AWG aluminum (40A capacity). Common applications: small commercial equipment and larger residential appliances.

Copper8 AWG

Aluminum8 AWG

Breaker35A

Voltage240V

All valid wire sizes for a 35 amp circuit

A 35 amp breaker is a standard size per NEC 240.6(A), commonly used for commercial equipment circuits. The minimum wire is 8 AWG copper. In residential applications, a 35A breaker may serve a 28A continuous load (28 × 1.25 = 35A).

35A is a standard breaker size. This size falls between the common residential 30A and 40A breakers. Use 8 AWG copper (50A capacity at 75°C) which provides significant headroom.

Any gauge with ampacity equal to or greater than 35A per NEC 2023 Table 310.16, after 110.14(C) termination limits are applied. Smaller gauge number means thicker wire, higher cost, but lower voltage drop.

Gauge	Material	Capacity	Max distance (3% drop)	Conduit
8 AWG (minimum)	Copper	50A	132 ft	3/4" EMT
6 AWG	Copper	65A	209 ft	3/4" EMT
4 AWG	Copper	85A	333 ft	1" EMT
3 AWG	Copper	100A	422 ft	1" EMT
2 AWG	Copper	115A	526 ft	1" EMT
1 AWG	Copper	130A	666 ft	1-1/4" EMT
1/0 AWG	Copper	150A	833 ft	1-1/4" EMT
2/0 AWG	Copper	175A	1071 ft	1-1/2" EMT
3/0 AWG	Copper	200A	1363 ft	2" EMT
4/0 AWG	Copper	230A	1666 ft	2" EMT
8 AWG (minimum)	Aluminum	40A	80 ft	3/4" EMT
6 AWG	Aluminum	50A	127 ft	3/4" EMT
4 AWG	Aluminum	65A	202 ft	3/4" EMT
3 AWG	Aluminum	75A	254 ft	1" EMT
2 AWG	Aluminum	90A	322 ft	1" EMT
1 AWG	Aluminum	100A	405 ft	1" EMT
1/0 AWG	Aluminum	120A	508 ft	1-1/4" EMT
2/0 AWG	Aluminum	135A	652 ft	1-1/4" EMT
3/0 AWG	Aluminum	155A	810 ft	1-1/2" EMT
4/0 AWG	Aluminum	180A	1034 ft	2" EMT

Maximum wire run distance

One-way distance in feet before voltage drop exceeds 3%, per NEC Chapter 9 Table 8 resistance values. If your run is longer than these distances, upsize one gauge.

Gauge	Material	120V	208V	240V	480V
8 AWG	Copper	66 ft	114 ft	132 ft	265 ft
6 AWG	Copper	104 ft	181 ft	209 ft	416 ft
4 AWG	Copper	166 ft	288 ft	333 ft	666 ft
3 AWG	Copper	209 ft	365 ft	422 ft	833 ft
2 AWG	Copper	265 ft	461 ft	526 ft	1071 ft
1 AWG	Copper	333 ft	576 ft	666 ft	1363 ft
1/0 AWG	Copper	422 ft	731 ft	833 ft	1666 ft
2/0 AWG	Copper	535 ft	909 ft	1071 ft	2142 ft
3/0 AWG	Copper	666 ft	1153 ft	1363 ft	2727 ft
4/0 AWG	Copper	857 ft	1500 ft	1666 ft	3333 ft
8 AWG	Aluminum	40 ft	69 ft	80 ft	160 ft
6 AWG	Aluminum	63 ft	110 ft	127 ft	254 ft
4 AWG	Aluminum	101 ft	175 ft	202 ft	405 ft
3 AWG	Aluminum	127 ft	220 ft	254 ft	508 ft
2 AWG	Aluminum	161 ft	280 ft	322 ft	638 ft
1 AWG	Aluminum	202 ft	352 ft	405 ft	810 ft
1/0 AWG	Aluminum	256 ft	441 ft	508 ft	1034 ft
2/0 AWG	Aluminum	322 ft	555 ft	652 ft	1304 ft
3/0 AWG	Aluminum	410 ft	714 ft	810 ft	1666 ft
4/0 AWG	Aluminum	517 ft	882 ft	1034 ft	2000 ft

Common 35A circuit projects

commercial equipment circuit
large EV charger at 28A continuous

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wire size for a 35 amp circuit?

The minimum wire size is 8 AWG copper or 8 AWG aluminum per NEC 2023 Table 310.16 with 110.14(C) termination limits applied. For long runs, you may need to upsize to account for voltage drop. See the max distance table above.

Can I use aluminum wire for a 35 amp circuit?

Yes. 8 AWG aluminum handles 35A. Aluminum requires anti-oxidant compound and AL-rated terminals (marked AL/CU on the device). It costs roughly 40-60% less than copper but requires a larger gauge for equivalent ampacity. See the 8 AWG copper vs aluminum comparison.

How far can I run 8 AWG wire on a 35 amp circuit?

At 240V, 8 AWG copper can run approximately 132 feet before exceeding the 3% voltage drop recommendation. For longer distances, upsize to the next gauge. Use the voltage drop calculator for your exact scenario.

What breaker size for a 35 amp circuit?

Use a 35A breaker. The breaker must match the circuit rating, not the wire ampacity. For continuous loads (like EV chargers), the breaker must be rated at 125% of the load per NEC 210.19(A)(1).

Do I need GFCI on a 35 amp circuit?

GFCI requirements depend on location, not amperage. NEC 2023 requires GFCI in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, basements, laundry areas, and near sinks. Check the GFCI requirements by room for your specific installation.

Common products for 8 AWG Copper circuits

🧵Wire Roll8 AWG copper, 100ftCheck prices on Amazon (paid link) ⚡40A BreakerStandard pairing for 8 AWGCheck prices on Amazon (paid link) 🔋EV ChargerLevel 2, pairs with 8 AWGCheck prices on Amazon (paid link)

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Requirements vary by state. NEC edition, licensing, permits, and GFCI rules differ by jurisdiction. Check your state or pick it below for personalized info across WireRef.

Important: For reference only. Not a substitute for a licensed electrician. Electrical work can cause serious injury, death, fire, or property damage if performed incorrectly. Always hire a licensed electrician for electrical work, especially for service upgrades, panel work, and 240V circuits. Values are derived from NFPA 70 (NEC) for educational purposes. Always verify against your locally adopted NEC edition and amendments - local jurisdictions may enforce stricter requirements. WireRef provides reference information only and is not responsible for work performed based on this content. NEC® is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association. Free NEC access via NFPA · OSHA Electrical Safety · Terms of use.

NEC 2023 references verified April 2026