Feeder & Voltage Drop Sizing

Sub-Panel Feeder & Wire Sizing Calculator

Detached garage, workshop, shed, or basement sub-panel installations. Sizes feeder conductor (Copper or Aluminum MHF/SER) for 50A, 60A, 90A, 100A, 125A, 200A sub-panels based on one-way distance to keep voltage drop under 3%.

Sub-Panel Feeder & Wire Sizing Calculator
Amps
Feet
1=Cu, 2=Al
Calculated Result
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Instant Calculation
Engineering Output
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Auxiliary Output
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Step-by-Step Derivation ▼ Show Steps
Governing Formula Verified Physics
A_cmil = (2 × K × I × L) / ΔV  (K_Cu ≈ 12.9, K_Al ≈ 21.2)

Calculations adhere to standard electrical engineering physics and National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) regulations.

Engineering Principles & Calculations

This calculator uses the exact mathematical relationships between Sub-Panel Rating (Amps), One-Way Distance (ft), Voltage (120/240V split-phase), Conductor Material (Copper vs Aluminum) to determine Recommended Hot Conductor AWG/kcmil, Neutral AWG, Ground AWG (NEC 250.122), Conduit Size (inches). In practical installations, factors such as ambient raceway temperature, harmonic distortion, duty cycle continuous operation, and conductor impedance must be accounted for by a certified electrician.

Sizes feeder conductor (Copper or Aluminum MHF/SER) for 50A, 60A, 90A, 100A, 125A, 200A sub-panels based on one-way distance to keep voltage drop under 3%.

Typical Application & Industry Guidelines

Detached garage, workshop, shed, or basement sub-panel installations.

Reference Matrix

Sub-Panel Feeder & Wire Sizing Calculator Benchmark Lookup Table

Sub-Panel SizeFeeder MaterialUp to 75 Feet100 - 150 Feet150 - 250 Feet
60 Amp PanelCopper (Cu)#6 AWG Cu#4 AWG Cu#2 AWG Cu
60 Amp PanelAluminum (Al)#4 AWG Al#2 AWG Al1/0 AWG Al
100 Amp PanelCopper (Cu)#3 AWG Cu#1 AWG Cu2/0 AWG Cu
100 Amp PanelAluminum (Al)1/0 AWG Al2/0 AWG Al4/0 AWG Al
200 Amp PanelCopper (Cu)2/0 AWG Cu3/0 AWG Cu250 kcmil Cu
200 Amp PanelAluminum (Al)4/0 AWG Al250 kcmil Al350 kcmil Al
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a sub-panel require 4 wires? +
Yes! NEC 250.32 mandates that all sub-panels must be fed with 4 conductors: two hots, one insulated neutral, and one separate equipment grounding conductor. Ground and neutral must never be bonded at a sub-panel.
Why is aluminum wire popular for sub-panel feeders? +
Modern aluminum alloy (AA-8000 series) is safe, reliable, and costs roughly 60% less than large copper conductors for feeder runs, making it standard for 100A-200A installations.
Does a detached garage sub-panel require ground rods? +
Yes. NEC 250.32(A) requires detached structures fed by a feeder to install two grounding electrode rods at the building, connected to the sub-panel ground bus.

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