Wire Sizing

What Size Wire for 50 Amp 240V 50 Feet

Pre-calculated NEC-compliant wire size for 50 amps at 50 feet on a 240V single-phase circuit. Immediate answer below.

Recommended Wire Size

Copper

8 AWG

Voltage drop: 1.62% (3.89V)

Voltage at load: 236.1V

Controlling factor: Ampacity (NEC 310.16)

Aluminum

6 AWG

Voltage drop: 1.68% (4.04V)

Voltage at load: 236V

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 50 ft.

Wire Comparison Table

Wire Size	Ampacity	V-Drop (V)	V-Drop (%)	V at Load
14 AWG	15A	15.7V	6.54%	224.3V
12 AWG	20A	9.9V	4.13%	230.1V
10 AWG	30A	6.2V	2.58%	233.8V
8 AWGREC	50A	3.89V	1.62%	236.1V
6 AWG	65A	2.46V	1.02%	237.5V
4 AWG	85A	1.54V	0.64%	238.5V
3 AWG	100A	1.23V	0.51%	238.8V
2 AWG	115A	0.97V	0.4%	239V
1 AWG	130A	0.77V	0.32%	239.2V
1/0 AWG	150A	0.61V	0.25%	239.4V
2/0 AWG	175A	0.48V	0.2%	239.5V
3/0 AWG	200A	0.38V	0.16%	239.6V
4/0 AWG	230A	0.3V	0.13%	239.7V
250 kcmil	255A	0.26V	0.11%	239.7V
300 kcmil	285A	0.21V	0.09%	239.8V
350 kcmil	310A	0.18V	0.08%	239.8V
400 kcmil	335A	0.16V	0.07%	239.8V
500 kcmil	380A	0.13V	0.05%	239.9V

Table shows all standard AWG/kcmil sizes for 50A at 50 ft on 240V (copper). Green check = meets both ampacity and 3% voltage drop. REC = smallest compliant size.

Key Considerations

For a 50A circuit at 50 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 50 amp service at 50 feet?▾

For a 50A/240V circuit at 50 feet, use 8 AWG copper (1.62% drop) or 6 AWG aluminum. This keeps voltage drop within the NEC-recommended 3% limit.

Can I use aluminum wire for a 50 amp circuit?▾

Yes. Aluminum wire is a cost-effective alternative for larger circuits. For 50A at 50 feet, use 6 AWG aluminum (1.68% 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 50A circuit at 50 feet on 240V, exceeding 3% means the load receives less than 232.8V, which can damage sensitive electronics and shorten appliance lifespan.

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Need a Custom Calculation?

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

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