Wire Sizing

What Size Wire for 15 Amp 75 Feet Away

Pre-calculated NEC-compliant wire size for 15 amps at 75 feet on a 120V single-phase circuit. Immediate answer below.

Recommended Wire Size

Copper
10 AWG
Voltage drop: 2.33% (2.79V)
Voltage at load: 117.2V
Controlling factor: Voltage Drop (3% limit)
Aluminum
8 AWG
Voltage drop: 2.4% (2.88V)
Voltage at load: 117.1V
Controlling factor: Voltage Drop (3% limit)

Based on NEC Table 310.16 (75°C column), single-phase, 120V, 3% max voltage drop, one-way distance 75 ft.

Wire Comparison Table

Wire SizeAmpacityV-Drop (V)V-Drop (%)V at LoadStatus
14 AWG15A7.07V5.89%112.9V
12 AWG20A4.46V3.71%115.5V
10 AWGREC30A2.79V2.33%117.2V
8 AWG50A1.75V1.46%118.2V
6 AWG65A1.1V0.92%118.9V
4 AWG85A0.69V0.58%119.3V
3 AWG100A0.55V0.46%119.4V
2 AWG115A0.44V0.36%119.6V
1 AWG130A0.35V0.29%119.7V
1/0 AWG150A0.27V0.23%119.7V
2/0 AWG175A0.22V0.18%119.8V
3/0 AWG200A0.17V0.14%119.8V
4/0 AWG230A0.14V0.11%119.9V
250 kcmil255A0.12V0.1%119.9V
300 kcmil285A0.1V0.08%119.9V
350 kcmil310A0.08V0.07%119.9V
400 kcmil335A0.07V0.06%119.9V
500 kcmil380A0.06V0.05%119.9V

Table shows all standard AWG/kcmil sizes for 15A at 75 ft on 120V (copper). Green check = meets both ampacity and 3% voltage drop. REC = smallest compliant size.

Key Considerations

For a 15A circuit at 75 feet on 120V, 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 15 amp service at 75 feet?
For a 15A/120V circuit at 75 feet, use 10 AWG copper (2.33% drop) or 8 AWG aluminum. This keeps voltage drop within the NEC-recommended 3% limit.
Can I use aluminum wire for a 15 amp circuit?
Yes. Aluminum wire is a cost-effective alternative for larger circuits. For 15A at 75 feet, use 8 AWG aluminum (2.4% 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 15A circuit at 75 feet on 120V, exceeding 3% means the load receives less than 116.4V, 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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