NEC 310.16 Code StandardOne-Way Circuit: 150 Feet240 Volts AC

Wire Size for 150 Amp Circuit at 150 Feet

Official National Electrical Code (NEC) sizing recommendation for a 150 Amp breaker over a 150-foot one-way conduit run on a 240V supply circuit.

Recommended Copper Conductor (Cu)
1/0 AWG
Voltage Drop: 2.29% (Base size without drop: 1/0 AWG)
Recommended Aluminum Conductor (Al)
3/0 AWG
Voltage Drop: 2.36% (Base size: 3/0 AWG)

Full Installation & Conduit Specifications

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Overcurrent Protection150A 2-Pole (240V)Standard Breaker Trip
Max Continuous Load120 Amperes80% NEC Continuous Rule
Conduit Sizing1-1/4" EMT or Schedule 40 PVCMax 40% fill limit
Circuit Distance150 Feet (One-Way)46m total span

Code Compliant: Voltage Drop is Within Safe Tolerance (2.29%)

At 150 feet under a 150A load, standard 1/0 AWG copper conductors experience only a 2.29% voltage reduction. No wire gauge upsizing is required.

Common Real-World Applications for this Circuit:
✓ Secondary Residential Distribution✓ Duplex Feeder Lines✓ Heavy Workshop Feeder

Frequently Asked Technical Questions

What size copper wire is required for a 150 amp breaker at 150 feet?

For a 150 amp circuit at 150 feet on a 240V system, standard 1/0 AWG copper wire is sufficient. The calculated voltage drop is only 2.29%, well within the NEC recommended 3% limit.

Can I use aluminum wire for 150 amps at 150 feet?

Yes, you can use aluminum or copper-clad aluminum wiring. For 150A at 150ft, you will need 3/0 AWG aluminum conductors with terminals rated AL7CU or AL9CU and anti-oxidant paste where required.

What is the maximum continuous load permitted on a 150 amp breaker?

Per NEC Article 210.20, continuous loads (operating for 3 hours or longer, such as EV chargers or heaters) cannot exceed 80% of the breaker rating. For a 150A breaker, your maximum continuous draw is 120.0 Amps.

What size conduit is recommended for this 150 ft run?

Based on Chapter 9, Tables 1 and 4 of the NEC for up to 3-4 current-carrying conductors plus ground at a 40% maximum conduit fill, we recommend using 1-1/4" EMT or Schedule 40 PVC.

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