3/0 AWG Wire Ampacity & Specifications
3/0 AWG copper wire carries 200A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16), or 155A for aluminum; copper is typically protected by a 200A 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.
3/0 AWG wire has an ampacity of 200A at 75°C for copper and 155A for aluminum (NEC Table 310.16). Its 60°C and 90°C copper ratings are 165A and 225A. Copper 3/0 AWG is commonly protected by a 200A breaker.
Copper 75°C
200A
Copper 90°C
225A
Aluminum 75°C
155A
Copper breaker (75°C)
200A
3/0 AWG Wire Specifications
| Ampacity — Copper (60 / 75 / 90°C) | 165 / 200 / 225 A |
| Ampacity — Aluminum (60 / 75 / 90°C) | 130 / 155 / 175 A |
| Cross-section | 167,800 circular mils |
| DC resistance — Copper | 0.0766 Ω / 1000 ft |
| DC resistance — Aluminum | 0.126 Ω / 1000 ft |
| Typical voltage drop (240V) | 0.6% at 50 ft · 1.3% at 100 ft (at 200A) |
Common Uses for 3/0 AWG Wire
- 165–200A services and feeders
- 200A copper services (general)
Ampacities are from NEC Table 310.16. Copper 14, 12 and 10 AWG are limited to 15A, 20A and 30A overcurrent protection, aluminum 12 and 10 AWG to 15A and 25A (240.4(D)). Terminations rated 60°C or 75°C usually cap the usable ampacity below the 90°C value.
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