Wire Sizing

What Size Wire for 30 Amp 75 Feet Away

Pre-calculated NEC-compliant wire size for 30 amps at 75 feet on a 240V single-phase circuit. Immediate answer below.

Recommended Wire Size

Copper
10 AWG
Voltage drop: 2.33% (5.58V)
Voltage at load: 234.4V
Controlling factor: Ampacity (NEC 310.16)
Aluminum
8 AWG
Voltage drop: 2.4% (5.76V)
Voltage at load: 234.2V
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 75 ft.

Wire Comparison Table

Wire SizeAmpacityV-Drop (V)V-Drop (%)V at LoadStatus
14 AWG15A14.13V5.89%225.9V
12 AWG20A8.91V3.71%231.1V
10 AWGREC30A5.58V2.33%234.4V
8 AWG50A3.5V1.46%236.5V
6 AWG65A2.21V0.92%237.8V
4 AWG85A1.39V0.58%238.6V
3 AWG100A1.1V0.46%238.9V
2 AWG115A0.87V0.36%239.1V
1 AWG130A0.69V0.29%239.3V
1/0 AWG150A0.55V0.23%239.5V
2/0 AWG175A0.44V0.18%239.6V
3/0 AWG200A0.34V0.14%239.7V
4/0 AWG230A0.27V0.11%239.7V
250 kcmil255A0.23V0.1%239.8V
300 kcmil285A0.19V0.08%239.8V
350 kcmil310A0.17V0.07%239.8V
400 kcmil335A0.14V0.06%239.9V
500 kcmil380A0.12V0.05%239.9V

Table shows all standard AWG/kcmil sizes for 30A at 75 ft on 240V (copper). Green check = meets both ampacity and 3% voltage drop. REC = smallest compliant size.

Key Considerations

For a 30A circuit at 75 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 75 feet?
For a 30A/240V 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 30 amp circuit?
Yes. Aluminum wire is a cost-effective alternative for larger circuits. For 30A 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 30A circuit at 75 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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