Pros of Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire Distance: Copper may be used over greater distances owing to its highly conductive characteristics and heat tolerance.Because copper is highly conductive, the wire strands are thinner, allowing for greater malleability without breaking. Malleability: Copper wire is more malleable and conductive than aluminum wire.Oxidation causes patina, which does not affect conductivity. Corrosion Resistant: Copper is resistant to corrosion-the color of the outer surface of copper changes when it patinas.The connections on the lugs stay tight because the copper wire does not expand and contract like aluminum. Heat Resistant: Copper wire is more heat-resistant than aluminum wire since it has better heat conductive properties.For the same level of conductivity, copper wire is around half the diameter of aluminum wire.
Copper can handle a greater electrical demand so you may use a lower gauge wire. Conductivity: Copper wire is highly conductive, second only to silver.Copper wiring has several advantages, including: Why Copper Wiring is Preferred over AluminumĬopper conductors are popular among electricians and homeowners alike for branch circuits. You’ll need a #2 gauge wire for both aluminum and copper-clad aluminum wire. Many licensed electricians use #2 copper-clad or aluminum wire size. Because it has a lower conductivity than copper, aluminum wiring requires a larger diameter wire.
100 AMP BREAKER CODE
The following table reflects wiring size, length, and voltage drop: Service or Feeder Rating Copper Wire Aluminum orĬopper-Clad Aluminum Wire Minimum Conduit Size 100 Amps #4 AWG #2 AWG 1.25 inch 110 Amps #3 AWG #1 AWG 1.25 inch 125 Amps #2 AWG #1/0 AWG 1.25 inch 150 Amps #1 AWG #2/0 AWG 1.25 inch 175 Amps #1/0 AWG #3/0 AWG 1.5 inch 200 Amps #2/0 AWG #4/0 AWG 1.5 inch 225 Amps #3/0 AWG 250 kcmil 1.5 inch 250 Amps #4/0 AWG 300 kcmil 2 inch 300 Amps 250 kcmil 350 kcmil 2.5 inch 350 Amps 350 kcmil 500 kcmil 3 inch 400 Amps 400 kcmil 600 kcmil 3 inch Source: National Electrical Code Which wire used is determined by the voltage drop and length of the wiring. AWG, American Wire Gauge, is the US standard for sizing electrical wiring.Ī 100 amp breaker panel requires either #4 copper wiring or #2 aluminum or copper-clad wiring.
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