![]() Sometimes there is a stamp in the connector which indicates the size as well. For more information or to schedule service, contact us online or call (323) 727-7799.A: Always start by looking on the side of the wire for printing that should tell you the wire size. At Express Electrical Services, we install and repair electrical panels and sub-panels for customers in and around the Los Angeles area. This is not a DIY project and modern standards require a qualified professional to complete the installation. Licensed electricians have the skillset to choose the right copper wire and properly install a sub-panel. Let an Electrician Install a 4-Gauge Wire for a Sub-Panel Individual circuit breakers can now be installed in the sub-panel. At the main panel, the electrician will attach the hot feeder wires to the 240-volt circuit breaker, and snap the feeder breaker into a double slot. The two hot wires in the cable will connect the feeder cable to the lugs on the sub-panel’s hot bus bars, while the neutral wire will connect to the neutral bus bar and the bare copper grounding wire will go to the grounding bus bar. It contains three insulated conductors and a bare copper ground wire. How Many Wires Do I Need?Īn electrician usually needs a three-wire cable to install a sub-panel. The transmission of current through a copper wire also requires less energy, so less heat is produced. It is less likely to expand when an electrical current runs through it and the wire can be run over greater distances. In terms of fire safety, copper wire is preferable (for 100-amp service, you’ll need a 4-gauge wire for a sub-panel ). But bear in mind aluminum is more prone to corrosion, so don’t let its abundance and affordability be the deciding factors. Otherwise, you risk dealing with short circuits and electrical damage. They can be safely used with a 100-amp sub-panel if the proper gauge is selected. Aluminum wires tend to be less costly but are not as efficient. It has a higher tensile strength (meaning it’s less prone to breakage) and is more conductive than aluminum. Should I Use Copper Wire or Aluminum Wire?Ĭopper wire is most often used for residential sub-panels and other electrical components. This number is usually indicated by a label found on the wire coating or insulation. The smaller the gauge, the thicker the wire, and the more amperage it can support. The gauge number refers to the thickness of the wire. ![]() A #14 AWG wire is typically acceptable for a circuit with general lighting and electrical receptacles. A #10 AWG wire may be used for a 30-amp appliance while a #8 AWG wire can accommodate a 45-amp appliance. How a Sub-Panel Wire Differs from Standard Home Wiringįor any wire, the proper size is determined by the circuit’s amp rating and type of electrical installation. The sub-panel contains circuit breakers serving areas like a garage, home addition, or shed. ![]() The wire connects the sub-panel to a main feeder breaker disconnect, which is connected to a 200-amp meter box. #2/0 AWG copper or #4/0 AWG aluminum wire for a 200-amp sub-panel.#1/0 AWG copper or #3/0 AWG aluminum wire for a 175-amp sub-panel.#1 AWG copper or #2/0 AWG aluminum wire for a 150-amp sub-panel.#2 AWG copper or #1/0 AWG aluminum wire for a 125-amp sub-panel.#3 AWG copper or #1 AWG aluminum wire for a 110-amp sub-panel.However, wiring requirements change depending on the sub-panel’s capacity. The minimum conduit size is 1.25 inches and a schedule 40 or 80 PVC electrical conduit is specified for lines run underground. If using an aluminum or copper-clad aluminum wire, a #2 AWG wire can be used. The National Electric Code (NEC) requires a #4 American Wire Gauge (AWG) copper wire for sub-panels. Wiring Requirements for Electrical Sub-Panels For copper, you will need a 4-gauge wire for a sub-panel. ![]() The right type of wiring must be used as well. The panel should be rated at least 100 amps and you’ll need a permit to perform the work (which generally requires an electrician ). There are lots of requirements to install one. Should I Use a 4 Gauge Wire for a Sub-Panel?Īn electrical sub-panel may be used for a room addition or detached garage. ![]()
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