Wire Size GuideNEC 2023 · 2026 · Updated Apr 2026

What wire size for a 80 amp circuit?

Q: What is the minimum wire size for a 80 amp circuit?

The minimum wire size is 4 AWG copper or 2 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 80 amp circuit?

Yes. 2 AWG aluminum handles 80A. 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 4 AWG copper vs aluminum comparison.

Q: How far can I run 4 AWG wire on a 80 amp circuit?

At 240V, 4 AWG copper can run approximately 146 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 80 amp circuit?

Use a 80A 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 80A circuit on a 80A breaker: Use 4 AWG copper (85A capacity) or 2 AWG aluminum (90A capacity). Common applications: medium subpanels and commercial kitchen equipment.

Copper4 AWG

Aluminum2 AWG

Breaker80A

Voltage240V

All valid wire sizes for a 80 amp circuit

An 80 amp feeder is used for medium subpanels - larger than a basic 60A garage panel but smaller than a full 100A subpanel. The minimum wire is 4 AWG copper or 2 AWG aluminum. At this size, aluminum feeders become a practical and economical choice.

80A is a standard breaker size per NEC 240.6(A). For feeders to detached structures, a 4-wire feeder and separate grounding electrode are required per NEC 250.32.

Any gauge with ampacity equal to or greater than 80A 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
4 AWG (minimum)	Copper	85A	146 ft	1" EMT
3 AWG	Copper	100A	184 ft	1" EMT
2 AWG	Copper	115A	232 ft	1" EMT
1 AWG	Copper	130A	291 ft	1-1/4" EMT
1/0 AWG	Copper	150A	370 ft	1-1/4" EMT
2/0 AWG	Copper	175A	468 ft	1-1/2" EMT
3/0 AWG	Copper	200A	588 ft	2" EMT
4/0 AWG	Copper	230A	731 ft	2" EMT
2 AWG (minimum)	Aluminum	90A	140 ft	1" EMT
1 AWG	Aluminum	100A	177 ft	1" EMT
1/0 AWG	Aluminum	120A	223 ft	1-1/4" EMT
2/0 AWG	Aluminum	135A	283 ft	1-1/4" EMT
3/0 AWG	Aluminum	155A	357 ft	1-1/2" EMT
4/0 AWG	Aluminum	180A	447 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
4 AWG	Copper	72 ft	126 ft	146 ft	291 ft
3 AWG	Copper	91 ft	159 ft	184 ft	365 ft
2 AWG	Copper	115 ft	201 ft	232 ft	461 ft
1 AWG	Copper	146 ft	254 ft	291 ft	588 ft
1/0 AWG	Copper	184 ft	319 ft	370 ft	731 ft
2/0 AWG	Copper	232 ft	405 ft	468 ft	937 ft
3/0 AWG	Copper	294 ft	508 ft	588 ft	1153 ft
4/0 AWG	Copper	370 ft	638 ft	731 ft	1500 ft
2 AWG	Aluminum	70 ft	122 ft	140 ft	283 ft
1 AWG	Aluminum	89 ft	153 ft	177 ft	357 ft
1/0 AWG	Aluminum	111 ft	193 ft	223 ft	447 ft
2/0 AWG	Aluminum	141 ft	245 ft	283 ft	566 ft
3/0 AWG	Aluminum	178 ft	309 ft	357 ft	714 ft
4/0 AWG	Aluminum	225 ft	389 ft	447 ft	909 ft

Common 80A circuit projects

80A subpanel (large addition)
commercial kitchen equipment

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wire size for a 80 amp circuit?

The minimum wire size is 4 AWG copper or 2 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 80 amp circuit?

Yes. 2 AWG aluminum handles 80A. 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 4 AWG copper vs aluminum comparison.

How far can I run 4 AWG wire on a 80 amp circuit?

At 240V, 4 AWG copper can run approximately 146 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 80 amp circuit?

Use a 80A 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 80 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 4 AWG Copper circuits

🧵Wire Roll4 AWG copper, 100ftCheck prices on Amazon (paid link) ⚡100A SubpanelCommon load center for 4 AWG feedsCheck prices on Amazon (paid link) 📏Aluminum SER4 AWG aluminum feeder cableCheck prices on Amazon (paid link)

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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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