Wire Sizing

What Size Wire for 125 Amp 150 Feet Away

Pre-calculated NEC-compliant wire size for 125 amps at 150 feet on a 240V single-phase circuit. Immediate answer below.

Recommended Wire Size

Copper
1 AWG
Voltage drop: 2.41% (5.78V)
Voltage at load: 234.2V
Controlling factor: Ampacity (NEC 310.16)
Aluminum
2/0 AWG
Voltage drop: 2.48% (5.96V)
Voltage at load: 234V
Controlling factor: Ampacity (NEC 310.16)

Based on NEC Table 310.16 (75°C column), single-phase, 240V, 3% max voltage drop, one-way distance 150 ft.

Wire Comparison Table

Wire SizeAmpacityV-Drop (V)V-Drop (%)V at LoadStatus
14 AWG15A117.75V49.06%122.3V
12 AWG20A74.25V30.94%165.8V
10 AWG30A46.5V19.38%193.5V
8 AWG50A29.18V12.16%210.8V
6 AWG65A18.41V7.67%221.6V
4 AWG85A11.55V4.81%228.5V
3 AWG100A9.19V3.83%230.8V
2 AWG115A7.28V3.03%232.7V
1 AWGREC130A5.78V2.41%234.2V
1/0 AWG150A4.58V1.91%235.4V
2/0 AWG175A3.63V1.51%236.4V
3/0 AWG200A2.87V1.2%237.1V
4/0 AWG230A2.28V0.95%237.7V
250 kcmil255A1.93V0.8%238.1V
300 kcmil285A1.61V0.67%238.4V
350 kcmil310A1.38V0.57%238.6V
400 kcmil335A1.2V0.5%238.8V
500 kcmil380A0.97V0.4%239V

Table shows all standard AWG/kcmil sizes for 125A at 150 ft on 240V (copper). Green check = meets both ampacity and 3% voltage drop. REC = smallest compliant size.

Key Considerations

For a 125A circuit at 150 feet on 240V, both ampacity and voltage drop must be satisfied. NEC recommends keeping the total voltage drop (feeder + branch) under 5%, with no more than 3% on either segment alone.

Copper conductors at 75°C column (THHN/THWN-2) are assumed. If using 60°C terminations, derate the ampacity to the 60°C column values. Verify the temperature rating of your terminals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size wire do I need for a 125 amp service at 150 feet?
For a 125A/240V circuit at 150 feet, use 1 AWG copper (2.41% drop) or 2/0 AWG aluminum. This keeps voltage drop within the NEC-recommended 3% limit.
Can I use aluminum wire for a 125 amp circuit?
Yes. Aluminum wire is a cost-effective alternative for larger circuits. For 125A at 150 feet, use 2/0 AWG aluminum (2.48% voltage drop). Aluminum requires AL-rated connectors and anti-oxidant compound at all terminations.
What happens if the voltage drop exceeds 3%?
Voltage drop above 3% reduces equipment efficiency, can cause motors to overheat, and may violate NEC 210.19(A) Informational Note No. 4. For a 125A circuit at 150 feet on 240V, exceeding 3% means the load receives less than 232.8V, which can damage sensitive electronics and shorten appliance lifespan.

Need a Custom Calculation?

Different voltage, three-phase, or custom max drop percentage? Use our interactive calculator.

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