Recommended Wire Size & Voltage Drop for 50A 480V at 91m (Copper)
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Use 4 AWG Copper Wire
Estimated Voltage Drop: 1.93% · Max Recommended Fuse/Breaker: 70A
Ohmla — Wire Sizing Spec Sheet
Generated July 27, 2026 · ohmla.com
| Load Current | 50 A |
| Source Voltage | 480 V |
| One-Way Distance | 300 ft |
| Conductor Material | Copper |
| Recommended AWG | 4 AWG |
| Circular Mils | 41,740 |
| Voltage Drop | 9.27 V |
| Percent Drop | 1.93% (limit 3%) |
| Power Lost | 463.6 W |
| Conductor Ampacity (75°C) | 85 A |
| Max Recommended Fuse/Breaker | 70 A |
This spec sheet is an engineering estimate based on NEC Table 310.16 (75°C ampacity) and NEC Chapter 9, Table 8 (circular mils), assuming a 30°C ambient and standard conductor bundling. It is provided for reference only and does not replace a code-compliant load calculation or inspection performed by a licensed electrician. Verify against the current NEC/CEC edition adopted in your jurisdiction.
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Instant Answer
Use 4 AWG Copper Wire
Estimated Voltage Drop: 1.93% · Limit: 3%
| Recommended AWG | 4 AWG Copper |
| Circular Mils (CM) | 41,740 |
| Voltage Lost | 9.27 V |
| Percent Drop | 1.93% |
| Power Lost | 463.6 W |
| Conductor Ampacity (75°C) | 85 A |
| Max Recommended Fuse/Breaker | 70 A |
Based on NEC Table 310.16 (75°C ampacity) and Chapter 9, Table 8 (circular mils). Assumes a 30°C (86°F) ambient, ≤3 current-carrying conductors. Always verify against your local jurisdiction's current NEC/CEC adoption before installation.
Full Technical Spec Table
| AWG | Circular Mils | Ampacity (75°C) | Voltage Lost | % Drop | Power Lost | Max Fuse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 AWG | 4,110 | 20A | 94.16V | 19.62% | 4708.0W | 20A |
| 12 AWG | 6,530 | 25A | 59.26V | 12.35% | 2963.2W | 25A |
| 10 AWG | 10,380 | 35A | 37.28V | 7.77% | 1864.2W | 35A |
| 8 AWG | 16,510 | 50A | 23.44V | 4.88% | 1172.0W | 50A |
| 6 AWG | 26,240 | 65A | 14.75V | 3.07% | 737.4W | 60A |
| 4 AWG | 41,740 | 85A | 9.27V | 1.93% | 463.6W | 70A |
| 2 AWG | 66,360 | 115A | 5.83V | 1.21% | 291.6W | 70A |
| 1/0 AWG | 105,600 | 150A | 3.66V | 0.76% | 183.2W | 70A |
| 2/0 AWG | 133,100 | 175A | 2.91V | 0.61% | 145.4W | 70A |
| 3/0 AWG | 167,800 | 200A | 2.31V | 0.48% | 115.3W | 70A |
| 4/0 AWG | 211,600 | 230A | 1.83V | 0.38% | 91.4W | 70A |
NEC Guidance for 50A Circuits at 480V
Under NEC Table 310.16, conductor ampacity is rated by insulation temperature class and ambient conditions. For a 50A load, the 75°C column is the standard reference used by most residential and commercial terminations, since the vast majority of circuit breakers and equipment terminals are only rated for 60°C or 75°C. At 480V, voltage drop becomes a more significant design constraint over longer conductor runs, since even a small resistive loss represents a larger percentage of the source voltage.
This calculation assumes a 91m one-way run, which is doubled in the voltage drop formula to account for both the outgoing and return conductors. The NEC recommends keeping voltage drop under 3% for branch circuits and under 5% combined for feeders and branch circuits together.
Ambient temperature also affects the usable ampacity of a conductor. Table 310.15(B)(1) derating factors reduce the rated ampacity as ambient temperature rises above 30°C (86°F):
- 26-30°C (78-86°F): multiply ampacity by 1
- 31-35°C (87-95°F): multiply ampacity by 0.94
- 36-40°C (96-104°F): multiply ampacity by 0.88
- 41-45°C (105-113°F): multiply ampacity by 0.82
- 46-50°C (114-122°F): multiply ampacity by 0.75
- 51-55°C (123-131°F): multiply ampacity by 0.67
For installations in attics, near rooftops, or in high-heat industrial environments, always apply the appropriate derating factor before finalizing wire gauge, and consult a licensed electrician for any circuit exceeding 60A or involving service entrance conductors. This tool provides an engineering estimate only and does not replace a code-compliant load calculation performed by a qualified professional.