This tool helps you understand the properties and performance of #2 AWG copper wire based on length and current.
The #2 Gauge Wire Calculator is a powerful tool designed for electricians, engineers, and DIY enthusiasts who need quick, reliable calculations related to #2 AWG wire specifications. This tool helps you determine electrical capacity, voltage drop, ampacity, and more for copper or aluminum #2 gauge wire across various lengths and voltage systems.
#2 AWG wire is a commonly used conductor size in both residential and commercial applications, offering a strong balance between current-carrying capacity and manageable size. With this calculator, you can make accurate, code-compliant decisions about wire gauge suitability for your project.
#2 AWG (American Wire Gauge) is a relatively thick wire used for medium to high current circuits. It is frequently used for subpanels, large appliances, electric vehicle chargers, and feeders to outbuildings. The size refers to the cross-sectional area of the conductor, which directly influences how much current it can safely carry without excessive voltage drop or overheating.
Voltage drop is a common concern for long wire runs. Even #2 gauge, though thick, can experience noticeable voltage loss over extended distances or with high currents.
Voltage Drop Formula:
V = (2 × L × I × R) / 1000 for single-phase
V = (√3 × L × I × R) / 1000 for three-phase
Where:
Example: 100 feet of #2 copper wire carrying 90 amps at 240V single-phase:
Vdrop = (2 × 30.48 × 90 × 0.1563) / 1000 ≈ 0.85V
This is well within the 3–5% voltage drop limit for most installations.
| Property | #2 Copper | #2 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance (Ω/km) | 0.1563 | 0.2533 |
| Diameter | 6.54 mm | 7.94 mm |
| Weight (kg/km) | 335 | 157 |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Ampacity (75°C) | 115A | 90A |
Tip: For long runs, copper provides better performance. For budget installations, aluminum is often used but may require upsizing to #1 AWG.
Actual usage depends on ambient temperature, conduit type, and insulation. Always check NEC tables for your specific conditions.
Below is an estimated one-way distance chart for common voltages and loads:
| Voltage | Amps | Max Distance (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| 120V | 80A | ~55 ft |
| 240V | 90A | ~115 ft |
| 240V | 60A | ~175 ft |
| 480V | 100A | ~225 ft |
These are rough estimates for copper. Use our calculator to get precise values for your exact load and voltage.
A: Yes. #2 copper wire is rated for 115A at 75°C, making it ideal for 100A subpanels or loads.
A: Generally 100A breaker, but depends on wire material and insulation rating. Always match breaker to conductor ampacity.
A: Yes, especially for Level 2 EVSE systems drawing up to 80 amps or more. Ensure distance and voltage drop are within limits.
A: Only if it's rated for direct burial (e.g., USE-2 or UF-B). Otherwise, conduit is required for protection.
#2 AWG wire is a dependable choice for medium to high-power installations. Whether you're wiring a subpanel, charging station, or industrial motor, this calculator gives you the information you need to size your wire safely and efficiently. Don't rely on guesswork or rough estimates—use our #2 Gauge Wire Calculator to ensure performance, safety, and compliance.
🔧 Save money. ⚡ Avoid voltage drop. 🏠 Protect your electrical system. Use our tool today and wire with confidence.
Let’s take a look at some practical installations where #2 gauge wire is commonly used and how this calculator helps optimize those setups:
Even when #2 wire meets minimum ampacity, upsizing may offer benefits:
Using the calculator, you can compare #2 gauge with #1 or 1/0 to determine whether upsizing is worthwhile for your situation.
#2 gauge wire is available in both solid and stranded formats. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right one:
Use stranded #2 wire for complex routing, tight panels, or when repeated movement is expected (e.g., trailer-mounted generators).
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the ultimate authority when determining allowable uses of #2 gauge wire. Key guidelines include:
Our calculator automatically applies these thresholds to alert users when sizing is insufficient for a given load and distance.
Use this calculator with conservative values when these environmental factors apply.
Even small voltage drops result in long-term energy loss. For example:
Over 10 years, that’s ₹54,000 — justifying the cost of thicker wire or shorter routing.
This calculator is ideal for:
Many professional electricians use our tool in tandem with SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Revit to streamline their designs.
Upsizing wire can be useful — but it also comes with downsides:
The calculator helps determine when #2 gauge is "just right" and when you may need to size up.
Improperly sized wire is one of the top causes of electrical fires. #2 gauge wire paired with an oversized breaker could overheat without tripping. Use the calculator to verify:
Our calculator provides clean output values that you can:
It simplifies collaboration and ensures everyone’s working from the same accurate data.
“As a licensed electrician, I’ve been using this calculator on job sites for years. It saves time, avoids mistakes, and helps with quick decisions.” – Rahul M., Electrical Contractor
“We integrate it into our solar project toolkit to verify battery wiring and inverter feeds — especially in remote locations where rewiring is costly.” – Divya S., Renewable Energy Engineer
Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, solar installer, or engineer — the #2 Gauge Wire Calculator helps you get electrical planning right the first time. It's built for accuracy, ease of use, and real-world applications. Stop guessing, and start calculating with confidence today.
⚙️ Try it now — save time, energy, and cost — and ensure your circuits are always safe and efficient.