It can carry current for longer distances without overheating or any interruption.Īvoid using aluminum or copper clads here. If the distance is long enough, use a 1 or 2-gauge copper wire. So, to keep pace with the distance, you need to use a lower gauge, like a 1 or 2-gauge wire. If the resistance of the wire increases, it will become overheated. The longer the distance, the higher the resistance. If you wish to replicate the copper quality with aluminum, you should opt for a much lower gauge, like 1 or 2. The best copper wire size for an 80 amp service would be 2 or 3-gauge wire. Some people still prefer aluminum as it is cheaper than copper.Īnother aluminum version is copper-clad aluminum which contains some copper fittings at the end and provides some copper benefits. On the contrary, aluminum wires are not a great conductor of electricity.Īluminum wires get heated up very easily and, thus, cannot be used for longer distances, but they are good for short distances. You can use them for longer distances without having much of a voltage drop. Two types of wires are mostly used for electrical purposes:Ĭopper wires are considered the best one than aluminum wires.Ĭoppers are great in conductivity and are resistant to heat and corrosion. While selecting the right wire gauge for an 80 amp service, many factors require determination, like the wire material, the distance, voltage and voltage drop, temperature, etc. You can also go for a 3 gauge wire if you use limited electrical devices, which is more than enough for 80 amps. If your house is drawing nearly up to 80 amps, you should go for a 1 gauge wire. The best wire size for an 80 amp service is a 2 gauge wire. That is how you choose the thicker wire for an 80 amp service. You should know that the low gauge numbers are thicker than the high gauge numbers.įor example, a 2-gauge wire will be twice thicker than a 4 or 6-gauge wire. The gauge number represents the thickness and diameter of the wire.Ī lot of people get confused when they see the gauge number. The gauge size determines a wire’s thickness and diameter. You need quite a thick wire for an 80-amp service. What size of wire is needed for an 80 amp service? If you have a large house with many electrical appliances, use an 80 amp circuit breaker to power devices, like the electrical water heaters, furnaces, kitchen appliances, etc. If your house is small and you have only a few lights, fans, and electrical devices, then an 80-amp electrical service will be enough for your house. It can also power an electric range and dryer, along with the general lighting of the house. These appliances can also be powered by 20 amps, depending on the usage.Īn 80 amp can also power large electric water heaters and furnaces.īut, an electrical service carrying 80 amps will also provide enough power and heat to a small home with very few electrical devices. Generally, an 80 amp circuit breaker is used to power only heavy-duty electrical appliances, like welding machines, sump pumps, etc.
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