2 gauge wire at a glance
| Diameter (bare copper) | 0.2576 in (6.54 mm) |
|---|---|
| Cross-section area | 33.63 mm² (66,360 circular mils) |
| Copper ampacity, 60°C / 75°C / 90°C | 95 / 115 / 130 A |
| Maximum breaker (copper) | 110 A |
| Aluminum ampacity, 60°C / 75°C / 90°C | 75 / 90 / 100 A |
14 AWG copper is limited to 15 A, 12 AWG to 20 A and 10 AWG to 30 A, and 12 and 10 AWG aluminum to 15 A and 25 A, by the overcurrent rules in NEC 240.4(D), even where the ampacity table lists more.
How far can 2 gauge wire run?
Current is only half the story. The wire loses voltage over distance, and the NEC recommends staying within 3%. This table gives the longest one-way run of 2 AWG copper within 3% drop, by current and voltage.
| Current | 12 V DC | 24 V DC | 120 V AC | 240 V AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 A | 15 ft | 31 ft | 154 ft | 309 ft |
| 100 A | 9.3 ft | 19 ft | 93 ft | 185 ft |
| 115 A | 8.1 ft | 16 ft | 81 ft | 161 ft |
Use the voltage drop calculator for another size, current or limit. For 12 V runs by size, see the 12V wire gauge chart.
What 2 gauge wire is used for
- Sub panels of up to 100 A in conduit
- A 125 A single-phase dwelling service in copper, under NEC 310.12
- A 100 A dwelling service in aluminum
- Large DC battery runs, such as inverters
Cable type and the rules
2 AWG is mostly pulled as THHN in conduit or bought as service entrance or feeder cable. It is rated 95 A at 60°C and 115 A at 75°C.
Neighboring sizes
| Gauge | Diameter | Copper amps (75°C, with NEC 240.4(D) limits) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 AWG | 0.2294 in | 100 A |
| 2 AWG | 0.2576 in | 115 A |
| 1 AWG | 0.2893 in | 130 A |
The wire gauge chart covers every size, and the amps per wire size table lists them in all three temperature columns.
Frequently asked questions
How many amps can 2 gauge wire handle?
95 amps at 60°C, 115 amps at 75°C and 130 amps at 90°C for copper.
What size breaker for 2 gauge wire?
A 100 amp breaker, or 110 amps in some cases. For a 125 amp breaker you need 1 AWG.
How far can 2 gauge wire run at 240 volts?
About 185 feet one way at 100 A within 3% drop.
What is the diameter of 2 gauge wire?
0.2576 inches, or 6.54 mm, for the bare conductor.