1/0 AWG Wire Ampacity & Specifications

1/0 AWG copper wire carries 150A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16), or 120A for aluminum, and is typically protected by a 150A breaker.

Calculations are built on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) and cross-checked against the published code tables. How we verify. Last updated June 2026.

1/0 AWG wire has an ampacity of 150A at 75°C for copper and 120A for aluminum (NEC Table 310.16). Its 60°C and 90°C copper ratings are 125A and 170A. It is commonly protected by a 150A breaker.

Copper 75°C
150A
Copper 90°C
170A
Aluminum 75°C
120A
Typical breaker
150A

1/0 AWG Wire Specifications

Ampacity — Copper (60 / 75 / 90°C)125 / 150 / 170 A
Ampacity — Aluminum (60 / 75 / 90°C)100 / 120 / 135 A
Cross-section105,600 circular mils
DC resistance — Copper0.122 Ω / 1000 ft
DC resistance — Aluminum0.201 Ω / 1000 ft
Typical voltage drop (240V)0.8% at 50 ft · 1.5% at 100 ft (at 150A)

Common Uses for 1/0 AWG Wire

  • 125–150A services and feeders
  • 150A copper feeders
Ampacities are from NEC Table 310.16. 14, 12 and 10 AWG are limited to 15A, 20A and 30A overcurrent protection (240.4(D)). Terminations rated 60°C or 75°C usually cap the usable ampacity below the 90°C value.

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