4/0 AWG Wire Ampacity & Specifications
4/0 AWG copper wire carries 230A at 75°C (NEC Table 310.16), or 180A for aluminum, and is typically protected by a 225A 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.
4/0 AWG wire has an ampacity of 230A at 75°C for copper and 180A for aluminum (NEC Table 310.16). Its 60°C and 90°C copper ratings are 195A and 260A. It is commonly protected by a 225A breaker.
Copper 75°C
230A
Copper 90°C
260A
Aluminum 75°C
180A
Typical breaker
225A
4/0 AWG Wire Specifications
| Ampacity — Copper (60 / 75 / 90°C) | 195 / 230 / 260 A |
| Ampacity — Aluminum (60 / 75 / 90°C) | 150 / 180 / 205 A |
| Cross-section | 211,600 circular mils |
| DC resistance — Copper | 0.0608 Ω / 1000 ft |
| DC resistance — Aluminum | 0.1 Ω / 1000 ft |
| Typical voltage drop (240V) | 0.6% at 50 ft · 1.1% at 100 ft (at 225A) |
Common Uses for 4/0 AWG Wire
- 195–230A feeders
- 200A aluminum services / 225A copper
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.
Sizing a circuit?
Use the calculator to size wire for your current, distance and voltage.