What size aluminum wire will fit a 100 amp breaker?

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What size aluminum wire will fit a 100 amp breaker?

#2
A 100 amp sub panel wiring size requirement is #4 for copper wires and #2 for aluminum wires. Now, you may question what you should use for your wiring installation and what are the advantages and disadvantages of one wire type from another. We’ll discuss these issues below.

What size wire will a 100 amp breaker accept?

Assuming you are inquiring about a residence, and a length of less than 100 feet, any 100 amp breaker should accept at least #1 awg aluminum wire. Aluminum wire gauge smaller than this is too small for that amp rating.

Does aluminum wiring require special breakers?

Make sure that the breaker is labeled “AFCI” (arc fault circuit interrupter), which is made specifically for applications with aluminum wiring and can sense and prevent electrical arcing from starting fires.

Will 4 0 aluminum wire fit in a 100 amp breaker?

I am not positive about all manufacturers, but Square-D, QO style, 100 amp breakers will accept #4 to 2/0 cables, Aluminum or Copper.

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Will a 100 amp breaker accept 2 0 wire?

I am not positive about all manufacturers, but Square-D, QO style, 100 amp breakers will accept #4 to 2/0 cables, Aluminum or Copper. So, 1/0 would fit.

What is #2 aluminum wire?

#2 Stranded Aluminum XHHW-2 Wire XHHW-2 are primarily used in air duct, conduit or recognized raceways for services, feeders and branch circuit wiring as specified in the National Electrical Code.

Can I use aluminum wire for a sub panel?

However, in larger-capacity circuits, such as a main service entrance for a house, or in a situation such as yours—a feeder from the main electrical panel to a subpanel—aluminum cable may still be permitted.

When was aluminum wiring discontinued?

In 1972, the formula for aluminum wiring changed, making it a much safer product. Aluminum wiring was used in single family homes for a few years after that, but was completely phased out by the mid-’70s.

What wire do I use for a 100 amp sub panel?

#4
The cable must have a wire gauge sufficient to the amperage of the subpanel—a 100-amp subpanel requires #4 copper wires or, more commonly, #2 aluminum wires, for example. (Aluminum is often used for feeder cables because the cost is typically much lower than that of copper wires.)

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What is the disadvantage of using aluminum wire?

The disadvantage of aluminum wiring is that it must be installed correctly to avoid the risk of house fires. When a current runs through aluminum wiring it causes the metal to expand. This creates a cycle of expanding and contracting called “cold creep.” In time, this can cause connections to become loose and spark.

Is it OK to use aluminum wire instead of copper?

Aluminum wire is generally easier to use than copper because it’s lighter and more malleable, making it an ideal wiring material to use over long distances.

What is the maximum wire size 100amp GE breaker?

Maximum wire size 100amp ge breaker? Considering using 1/0-1/0-1/0 aluminum sheathed wire for connection between 200 amp GE box and 100 amp GE box (100 amp breaker to 100 amp breaker) A GE # THQL 2 pole 100 Amp CB can handle a maximum of #1/0 wire.

What size wire do I need for a 100 amp feeder?

Considering using 1/0-1/0-1/0 aluminum sheathed wire for connection between 200 amp GE box and 100 amp GE box (100 amp breaker to 100 amp breaker) A GE # THQL 2 pole 100 Amp CB can handle a maximum of #1/0 wire. If this is a second panel fed by a Main panel, the feeder must have 4 wires, 2 for hot, 1 for neutral, and 1 for the equipment ground.

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What size aluminum wire do I need for 60 amps?

Number 4 aluminum is good for 65 amps at 130′ the voltage drop at 60 amps would be 2.55\% . Up to 3\% is allowed by code. What size aluminum wire do I need for 100 amp service? Can 10 gauge wire handle 60 amps? Not only is #10 wire on a 60 amp breaker a bad idea, it is completely against code. Also, the 60 amp breaker is completely unnecessary.

Can I use 10 AWG copper conductors with a 20 ampere breaker?

Yes, you can use 10 AWG copper conductors with a 20 ampere breaker. The smallest size conductors you could use with a 20 ampere breaker, are 12 AWG copper conductors. There’s no problem using larger conductors, other than cost to you, and difficulties associated with working with thicker conductors.