HOW MANY AMPS CAN 2 AWG WIRE HANDLE?

Hello readers welcome to the new post. Here we will discuss HOW MANY AMPS CAN 2 AWG WIRE HANDLE? The wire size is measured through a wire gauge which is the diameter of the wire. The US wire gauge system is used to measure wire size. The larger value shows that a small wire diameter and small gauge number means is a larger wire diameter. Wire ampacity is the highest current handling feature without causing heat or affecting the wire. Let’s get started with discussing how many amps 2 AWG wire can handle.

What is 2 AWG Wire

• The 2 AWG wire has a diameter of about 0.2576 inches and is mostly used where high capacity is needed like in industry machines wiring.
• Its ampacity is about 115 amperes at 60 degrees, and 130 amps at 75 degrees.

What is2/0 AWG Wire

• 2/0 AWG wire comes with 0.3648 diameter in inches and it is larger than 2 AWG wire. This wire is used for power distribution and transmission lines. Its ampacity for 60 degrees is 135 amps and for 75 degrees is 155 amps.

 

 

Differences Between 2 AWG and 2/0 AWG Wires

Features	2 AWG Wire	2/0 AWG Wire
Diameter	0.2576 inches	0.3648 inches
Ampacity (60°C)	115 amps	135 amps
Ampacity (75°C)	130 amps	155 amps
Ampacity (90°C)	150 amps	180 amps
Resistance (Ohms/1000ft)	0.624	0.393

 

Uses of 2 AWG and 2/0 AWG Wires

• 2AWG wire is used in applications where high ampacity is needed in industries, machines, etc. It is part of the power distribution system.
• 2/0 AWG wire is used in power distribution applications due to high ampacity and less resistance. It is also used in the grounding and bonding of electrical systems.
• These wires are also used in AC and DC circuits.

HOW MANY AMPS CAN 2 AWG WIRE HANDLE?

• The 2 AWG wire ampacity is based on conductor materials, copper or aluminum, wire thickness, and temperatures.
• Copper materials wire like THHN/THWN-2 and RHW for 75°C, ampere rating is 115 ampere.
• For 90 degrees ampacity is 130 ampere  XHHW-2 and USE.
• Aluminum material wire like RHW and THWN  rating is 90 ampere for 75 degrees and 100 Ampere for 90 degrees in the case of RHW-2 and THWN-2.

What is 2 AWG wire used for?

 common 2 AWG wire applications are listed here

1. 2AWG wire is used to make connections between utility power sources and homes. The accurate capacity of the 2 AWg wire is based on the insulation used and the connection technique. Normally 2AWG is made with copper used at homes but for dual service entrance, two wires are used.
2. It is best to use for the management of electrical loads like Air conditioners and heaters due to its high conductivity.
3. It makes connections between backup power supplies solar panels, and batteries. It carries the required curent to a certain distance and transfers energy according to requirements.
4. It offers low resistance paths for current to flow to the ground. That avoids any damage and controls hazards.
5. 2 AWG wires were used to make the metallic connection. it transmits curent effectively and makes sure welding industries produce the required heat to melt and fuse metals instantly.  it is used for high-temperature welding uses like pipeline and bridge construction.
6. it is used in amplifier circuits to provide the required power to speakers and get the required sound.
7. It is used to connect components in solar or wind energy systems. This wire used to make sure renewable energy sources effectively provide energy.

2 AWG Wire Wattage Chart

Different Types of 2 AWG Wires

Different types of 2 AWG wire are listed here.

THHN/THWN.

• It is best to use in the wiring of cable trays. The 2 AWg THHn wire used in subpanels, larger motors, and HVAC systems

XHHW/XHHW-2.

• It has high resistance to moisture and heat and is used in conduit systems for indoor and outdoor uses. 2 AWG XHHW/XHHW-2 is used in feeder circuits, generator connections, etc.

USE (Underground Service Entrance) Cable.

• It is used in direct burial grounds and as part of outdoor power distribution detached structures.  Such as, 2 AWG USE is used for outdoor lighting and fixtures, mobile homes, and RV parks. 

Welding Cable.

• It is used in welding and also used for heavy-duty operations.

Battery cable

• It is used for connecting vehicles, boats, and batteries and used in power transmission. It is used in RVs and campers, golf carts, etc. 

Bare Copper wire

• It is used in grounding systems, lighting protection electrical grids etc

2 Stranded Copper THHN/THWN-2 Wire

• It is THHN/THWN-2 building wire used for general purpose uses and denoted as NEC.
• It is used in new construction or rewiring where 600-volt circuits are used.it is also best to use in wet and dry locations where the temperature does not cross 90 degrees.
• MTW type of conductor is best to use in dry locations at 90 degrees or not more than 60 degrees in wet areas.
• AWM type conductor used where the temperature is not more than 105°C in dry locations.

2 AWG THHN/THWN-2 Features

• Its size is 2 AWg and its strands is 19.
• Cross section area is 33.60mm2
• Its PVC insulation thickness is 1.020mm and its nylon jacket thickness is  0.150 mm / 0.006 inches
• Its external diameter is  0.375 inches with a weight is 0.254 lbs per ft
• Its ampacity is 95 Amps at 60ºC / 115 Amps at 75ºC / 130 Amps at 90ºC