I Want To Update My 0 Amp Service To 100 Amp Circuit Breakers. How Much Will It Cost?

what size wire for 12 -amp breaker

What size wire for 125 amp breaker? The answer is rarely uncomplicated. You'll need to have into consideration the required electrical load, distance, space available in the console, temperature ratings, etc.

Specificity is the key in short. If you're a homeowner and need 100A delivered to a 125 subpanel inside 100 feet at 75 caste C, for example, then you'll need, according to universal recommendations, a #1 copper or a #1/0 aluminum wire. I'll explain further and share some helpful tips below.

The Exact Electrical Load and Temperature Rating are Of import

125-amp-wire-size

Going back to the example I share above, if we simply bump the load to 125A, you'll already need a 2/0 aluminum wire instead, which is obviously entirely unlike from the 125 amp wire size copper I mentioned. It'due south as well advised to increment your excursion breaker capacity to 175A if that'southward the case to ensure safety.

How exercise we calculate the load based on the circuit billow's ampere rating? The general dominion of pollex is to multiply information technology past 0.8. For example, 175A ten 0.8 is 140A, while a 150A breaker just supports a total of 120A. This is why information technology's recommended to utilize a 175A and a bigger 125 amp wire size of 2/0.

What about the temperature rating? To me, there'southward no better reference for it than this table. The wire you utilise determines the temperature rating you need to follow and the corresponding capacity recommendations.

As you'll come across, they're still proportional to the usual billow and wire size suggestions fabricated in all countries worldwide, as represented in this other table approved past Canada'southward National Electrical Code.

I could non find a better video reference for what size to use based on the usual real-globe appliances and their average electrical loads than the following. I recommend you watch it to gain more insights.

Nosotros Tin't Ignore Distance, Too

You'll besides need to calculate the exact distance you need when knowing the right 125 amp billow wire size. If your project involves wiring from your main excursion breaker to your garage, then you lot'll need to consider the altitude in anxiety. Information technology's just equally important every bit knowing the amps when calculating voltage drop index, after all.

Sometimes, I employ this calculator to confirm my requirements. However, I don't always stick to information technology, because I prefer computing based on practical load. The practical load takes into consideration what each appliance needs to run instead of the possibility of the billow tripping.

In nigh cases, I don't need to summate for voltage drop, especially if the distance doesn't exceed the voltage (e.g. 360V can cover 360 feet). If it does or is as close as possible to it, that'southward the only time you lot need to make voltage drop calculations.

Co-ordinate to the Electrical Engineering Portal, to calculate for voltage driblet, you need to go the exact ampere-feet you're dealing with. It'due south usually calculated by multiplying load or excursion current (in amperes) with the exact length of your circuit. Later, divide it past 100 then multiply information technology by the VD values found in the tables.

What If You Don't Have Enough Infinite Anymore in Your Panel

wire-for-125-amp-service

This is another common issue I need to address here because most homeowners find this out too belatedly and end upwardly with some other problem. You lot notice that the appropriate wire size can't fit in the space available in your panel anymore. This is exactly why most electricians encourage homeowners to get equally much infinite as possible for their primary panel or subpanel.

Once I encounter cases like these, I generally advise people to invest in a subpanel next to the primary panel. If information technology's a 125 amp panel, then you tin can utilize a 100A billow on the main panel to feed the billow. The new sub console must always have the aforementioned ampacity rating every bit the panel that is feeding it.

When in Dubiousness, Don't Hesitate to Enquire for Guidance From a Licensed Electrician

If you all the same experience lost (and that's understandable, given the technicalities), there's no shame in asking for help from your local electrician to know the platonic wire for 125 amp service. I'll even stress that it'southward the safest route to take if you aren't too confident with your DIY skills when treatment electrical systems.

Incidentally, if you're not already aware of information technology, make sure that your municipality really allows unlicensed citizens to do electrical piece of work. This goes for both residential and commercial buildings. After all, at that place's e'er an inherent risk involved, non only to your family only also to the nearby properties and people besides should an accident atomic number 82 to burn.

Conclusion

To sum it up, always know the specifics beforehand. Take annotation of the electrical load, temperature rating, and, sometimes, even the distance required for the entire wiring if it's necessary. This is the simply manner for you to know what size wire for 125 amp breaker.

Should you need adjustments, don't hesitate to consult a professional because anything less could only heighten your take a chance. It will besides save you money and time in the long run.