Wire Sizing

What Size Wire for 30 Amp 150 Feet Away

Pre-calculated NEC-compliant wire size for 30 amps at 150 feet on a 240V single-phase circuit. Immediate answer below.

Recommended Wire Size

Copper
8 AWG
Voltage drop: 2.92% (7V)
Voltage at load: 233V
Controlling factor: Voltage Drop (3% limit)
Aluminum
4 AWG
Voltage drop: 1.91% (4.57V)
Voltage at load: 235.4V
Controlling factor: Voltage Drop (3% limit)

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 AWG15A28.26V11.78%211.7V
12 AWG20A17.82V7.43%222.2V
10 AWG30A11.16V4.65%228.8V
8 AWGREC50A7V2.92%233V
6 AWG65A4.42V1.84%235.6V
4 AWG85A2.77V1.16%237.2V
3 AWG100A2.21V0.92%237.8V
2 AWG115A1.75V0.73%238.3V
1 AWG130A1.39V0.58%238.6V
1/0 AWG150A1.1V0.46%238.9V
2/0 AWG175A0.87V0.36%239.1V
3/0 AWG200A0.69V0.29%239.3V
4/0 AWG230A0.55V0.23%239.5V
250 kcmil255A0.46V0.19%239.5V
300 kcmil285A0.39V0.16%239.6V
350 kcmil310A0.33V0.14%239.7V
400 kcmil335A0.29V0.12%239.7V
500 kcmil380A0.23V0.1%239.8V

Table shows all standard AWG/kcmil sizes for 30A at 150 ft on 240V (copper). Green check = meets both ampacity and 3% voltage drop. REC = smallest compliant size.

Key Considerations

For a 30A 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 30 amp service at 150 feet?
For a 30A/240V circuit at 150 feet, use 8 AWG copper (2.92% drop) or 4 AWG aluminum. This keeps voltage drop within the NEC-recommended 3% limit.
Can I use aluminum wire for a 30 amp circuit?
Yes. Aluminum wire is a cost-effective alternative for larger circuits. For 30A at 150 feet, use 4 AWG aluminum (1.91% 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 30A 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.

Wire Size Calculator