Choose the proper wire size for safety and performance
You’ll need a 6 AWG copper wire or a 4 AWG aluminum wire for a 50-amp circuit.
50-amp circuits power hot tubs, electric water heaters, and electric charging stations.
Using the incorrect wire size can cause overheating and electrical fires.
50-amp circuit breakers help to power your home’s appliances—such as electric ovens, air conditioners, and hot tubs. So, when installing 50 amps of power, you’ll need to include the correct 50-amp wire size to ensure safety and high-quality performance. Our guide will show you the best wire size for a 50-amp circuit breaker.
When installing a 50-amp circuit breaker, you must use the proper-size wire to ensure your breaker meets the required local and national codes. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires a minimum of 6 AWG for copper wire or 4 AWG for aluminum wire. American Wire Gauge (AWG) is the standard for determining wire size and thickness. A larger AWG number equates to a smaller wire diameter and gauge.
In terms of strength, copper wire is much more conductive than aluminum—meaning copper transfers electricity more efficiently. Yet, aluminum is lighter and easier to work with. Here are the NEC’s requirements for circuit breaker sizes and the minimum required AWG wire size for each:
| Circuit Breaker Size (Amps) | Copper (AWG) | Aluminum (AWG) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 16 | 14 |
| 15 | 14 | 12 |
| 20 | 12 | 10 |
| 30 | 10 | 8 |
| 40 | 8 | 6 |
| 50 | 6 | 4 |
| 50 | 6 | 4 |
A 10-amp circuit breaker requires a 16 AWG copper wire or a 14 AWG aluminum wire. 10-Amp breakers typically power toasters, dishwashers, washing machines, hair dryers, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners.
You’ll need a 14 AWG copper wire or a 12 AWG aluminum wire for a 15-amp circuit breaker. 15-amp breakers help to power an entire bedroom’s worth of lights, clocks, and a television.
A 20-amp circuit breaker needs a 12 AWG copper wire or a 10 AWG aluminum wire. 20-amp circuits provide 120 volts of electricity, which will power 10 electrical outlets per a single 20-amp circuit.
A 30-amp circuit breaker requires a 10 AWG copper wire or an 8 AWG aluminum wire. A 30-amp circuit typically powers central air conditioning systems and all of the appliances in an RV.
You’ll need an 8 AWG copper wire or a 6 AWG aluminum wire to power a 40-amp circuit. 40-amp circuits are best for electric appliances, such as electric cooktops.
50-amp circuits require a 6 AWG copper wire or a 4 AWG aluminum wire. 50-amp circuits can power electric water heaters, electric ovens, hot tubs, electric vehicle charging stations, backup generators, and home workshops.
Per the NEC, a circuit breaker’s size should not exceed 80% of the wire’s ampacity, which is how much current a wire can carry without overheating. So, using too-small wiring can make the circuit breaker constantly trip, and you don’t want to find yourself regularly resetting a circuit breaker.
Using the incorrect-sized wire is also a safety and fire hazard—for the breaker and the appliance connected to it. If your system can’t handle the increased electrical flow, the wire will overheat, leaving your household at risk for an electrical failure.
Voltage drop happens when the one-way circuit length exceeds the voltage number. The NEC recommends a voltage drop of no less than 3%. That’s why using the correct-sized wires (6 AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum) is essential to ensure your 50-amp circuit breaker runs efficiently and safely due to the increased current flow.
The NEC recommends using 6 AWG copper and 4 AWG aluminum wires for cable distances of 100 feet or less. For longer distances, such as 200-foot cables, you’ll need to use larger wires, such as a 3/0 AWG copper wire or a 4/0 AWG aluminum wire. These larger wires will account for the voltage drop and keep your 50-amp circuit running smoothly.
Installing a 50 amp dedicated circuit costs around $700, though the actual price can vary based on several factors. These include your location, the need for a panel upgrade, and whether the installation is for an electric car charger. Each element can influence the overall cost, so it's important to consider your specific situation when budgeting for the installation.
We don’t recommend installing a 50-amp circuit and wiring yourself. Professional electricians are knowledgeable about local permits and electrical codes and have direct experience working with high-voltage electricity. Hire an electrician near you to install 50-amp circuits with ease and safety. You can expect to pay an average price of $700 to install a dedicated circuit.
Yes—if you’re using an appliance that requires 50-amps, you need to install that much amperage with the proper-sized wires. If you try to use a lower-amp circuit for that appliance, you’ll risk a house fire and appliance burnout. That’s why it’s completely worth the cost to upgrade your amperage and wires to keep your home safe and your appliances running smoothly.
A 6-gauge wire can safely carry 50 amps over a distance of up to 100 feet. This is acceptable for most residential applications, ensuring minimal voltage drop and maintaining efficiency. Use a thicker wire for distances beyond 100 feet to reduce resistance and prevent potential overheating. Always consult electrical codes and a professional electrician. Both are essential to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes.
For a 60-amp circuit, you should use a 6-gauge wire. This wire size ensures safe and efficient power transmission with minimal voltage drop for most residential distances. However, if the circuit length exceeds 100 feet, you might need a 4-gauge wire to compensate for the increased distance and potential voltage drop. Always consult local electrical codes and a professional electrician to ensure your installation meets safety standards and complies with regulations.
