Wire Sizing

What Size Wire for 80 Amp 150 Feet Away

Pre-calculated NEC-compliant wire size for 80 amps at 150 feet on a 240V single-phase circuit. Immediate answer below.

Recommended Wire Size

Copper
3 AWG
Voltage drop: 2.45% (5.88V)
Voltage at load: 234.1V
Controlling factor: Voltage Drop (3% limit)
Aluminum
1 AWG
Voltage drop: 2.53% (6.07V)
Voltage at load: 233.9V
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 AWG15A75.36V31.4%164.6V
12 AWG20A47.52V19.8%192.5V
10 AWG30A29.76V12.4%210.2V
8 AWG50A18.67V7.78%221.3V
6 AWG65A11.78V4.91%228.2V
4 AWG85A7.39V3.08%232.6V
3 AWGREC100A5.88V2.45%234.1V
2 AWG115A4.66V1.94%235.3V
1 AWG130A3.7V1.54%236.3V
1/0 AWG150A2.93V1.22%237.1V
2/0 AWG175A2.32V0.97%237.7V
3/0 AWG200A1.84V0.77%238.2V
4/0 AWG230A1.46V0.61%238.5V
250 kcmil255A1.24V0.52%238.8V
300 kcmil285A1.03V0.43%239V
350 kcmil310A0.88V0.37%239.1V
400 kcmil335A0.77V0.32%239.2V
500 kcmil380A0.62V0.26%239.4V

Table shows all standard AWG/kcmil sizes for 80A at 150 ft on 240V (copper). Green check = meets both ampacity and 3% voltage drop. REC = smallest compliant size.

Key Considerations

For a 80A 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 80 amp service at 150 feet?
For a 80A/240V circuit at 150 feet, use 3 AWG copper (2.45% drop) or 1 AWG aluminum. This keeps voltage drop within the NEC-recommended 3% limit.
Can I use aluminum wire for a 80 amp circuit?
Yes. Aluminum wire is a cost-effective alternative for larger circuits. For 80A at 150 feet, use 1 AWG aluminum (2.53% 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 80A 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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