What Size Wire for 125 Amp Breaker?

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When you have a circuit that will be handling high amounts of current, you’ll need to make sure that it has the proper voltage and amperage rating. This is especially important when dealing with the home’s electrical system because if you don’t have the right measures in place, it could lead to a fire or even an explosion. If a circuit isn’t set up correctly, it can also cause your home’s fuse box to overheat and start a fire.

So how do you know what size wire is best for your 125 amp breaker? Let’s take a look.

It depends with the specifications

Well, there is no straight answer when it comes to the right size for your 125 amps circuit breaker.

Why? Well, there are many other external factors that will determine the size of wire that you should use on this breaker.

Does this mean you can use any size of wire? Of course no. We will have to go for the universal recommendations for the wire size.

For the copper wire, the recommended size is #2 AWG while for the aluminum, it will be #1/0 AWG.

How have we arrived at those sizes?

The wire size calculation is based on the universal standard AWG. It is the

number system that is used to indicate the amount of copper in a wire.

AWG stands for American Wire Gauge and it has been standardized since 1961.

It is a way to measure the amount of copper in a wire, which is important because it determines the strength and durability of your 125 amp breaker. The higher the AWG number, the thicker or more durable your wire will be.

The #2 AWG copper wire is what you would use for your 125 amp breaker if you want to use it for residential purposes. This size will work best as long as you are not using any other type of wiring that requires larger wires than this one does. If you are using other types of wiring like commercial or industrial, then you would need to use #3 AWG copper wire on your 125 amp breaker instead.

As for the aluminum, we suggest that you use #1/0 AWG aluminum on your circuit breaker if you want to use it for home purposes because this size will be sufficient enough even if there are other types of wiring around it like commercial or industrial. It will also work well as long as there are no other sizes that require larger wires than this one does.

You should consider the load rating

One key factor to consider when selecting the wire size for the circuit breaker is the load rating. This is the amount of current that can be passed through each wire.

The higher the load rating, the more electrical current your circuit breaker can handle. The AWG number of the wire is usually smaller than the load rating, but it is still important to consider this factor when selecting the wire size for your circuit breaker.

However, with a higher load rating you will have to upgrade the circuit breaker. For instance, you will consider getting a 175 Amp circuit breaker instead of the 125 amp breaker. This will also call for the need to increase the size of the wire. That is why you should consider using #2/0 in case you plan to upgrade your breaker.

Temperature rating vs wire size

Temperature is a key determinant for the wire size for your 125 amps circuit breaker. In most cases, the wire size is changed in order to accommodate the temperature of your circuit breaker.

For instance, if you are installing an electric stove with a 100-120VDC circuit breaker that is rated at 125 amps, you will have to use #2/0 wire.

The higher the temperature of the circuit breaker, the smaller the wire size you will need. The AWG number of #2/0 wire is smaller than that of #4/0 in case you are using an electric stove with a high temperature rating. It is important for you to consider this factor when selecting the wire size for your 125 amp circuit breaker.

Distance matters

Even after knowing the perfect size for your 125 amp circuit breaker, you should also consider the distance. What is the distance between the circuit breaker and the load?

Why does the distance matter? The first thing that should come into your mind with regards to the distance is the voltage drop. If the voltage drop is high, then you should consider using a larger wire size for your 125 amp circuit breaker.

The other reason why the distance matters is that it will affect the capacity of the circuit breaker. A circuit breaker with a long distance will experience a higher voltage drop and therefore reduce its capacity.

Try to analyze the distance and then use the perfect wire size of your circuit breaker.

Wire size vs number of outlets

There is a close corelation between the number of outlets and the size of the wire for a 125 amp.

The number of outlets is directly proportional to the size of the wire.

For example, if you need to connect the same load with a larger wire size and a smaller number of outlets, then you should use a larger wire size because it will save you money.

If you need to put more load with smaller wire size and then add another outlet, then always use a bigger one because it will provide more capacity.

So, always choose the right wire size and number of outlets for your 125 amp circuit breaker.

Buy quality 125 Amp circuit breakers

Even as you look at the wire size, ensure that you buy quality 125 Amp circuit breakers.

You can buy a cheap 125 Amp circuit breaker that will not last long.

Instead of buying cheap 125 Amps, you can use one that is quality and durable.

And the right place to buy is from reliable circuit breaker manufacturers and suppliers in China. Choose a sourcing agent such as ICRFQ and you will be sure of ending up with a good breaker.

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