Understanding Wire Gauge

The wire gauge is the measurement of a wire's diameter. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter of the wire. American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a standardized system used to measure the size of electrical wire. The size of the wire is important when choosing the right wire for your sub panel because it affects the amount of current the wire can carry safely.

A certified electrician is necessary for handling these types of amperages and wiring.

Importance of Amperage Rating

The amperage rating is the maximum amount of current that a wire can carry safely. It's important to choose a wire with a sufficient amperage rating to meet the demands of your electrical system. In this case, since you're installing a 100 amp sub panel, you'll need a wire with a 100 amp rating or higher.

Types of Wire for 100 Amp Sub Panel

There are several types of wire that can be used for a 100 amp sub panel, including copper and aluminum. Copper wire is the most commonly used type of wire for electrical systems and is known for its excellent conductivity and durability. Aluminum wire is a less expensive option but is more susceptible to corrosion and is not as conductive as copper.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Wire When choosing the right wire for your 100 amp sub panel, there are several factors to consider, including:

1. Amperage Rating

Amperage is a crucial factor to consider when choosing wire for a 100 amp sub panel. The amperage rating is the maximum amount of electrical current that the wire can safely carry. It's important to choose a wire with an amperage rating that matches the maximum electrical current that the sub panel will require. Using a wire with an insufficient amperage rating can result in electrical overload, which can cause damage to the electrical system and increase the risk of electrical fire.

2. Type of Wire

There are two main types of wire to choose from for a 100 amp sub panel. These are: copper wire and aluminum wire. Copper wire is the preferred choice for electrical wiring because of its excellent conductivity and durability, while aluminum wire is a less expensive option but is more susceptible to corrosion and is not as conductive as copper. It's important to consider the type of wire that best fits your needs and budget.

3. Length of the Wire Run

Length of the wire run is another factor to consider when choosing wire for a 100 amp sub panel. The longer the wire runs, the more electrical resistance there will be, which can result in a drop in voltage and potential electrical issues. To ensure that the voltage remains consistent throughout the wire run, it's important to choose a wire that's appropriately sized for the length of the run.

4. The Size of the Conduit

The conduit provides protection for the wire and helps to prevent damage to the wire. It's important to choose a conduit that's appropriately sized for the wire, as a conduit that's too small can result in damage to the wire and a conduit that's too large can result in added cost and unnecessary space requirements.

5. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to moisture, can all affect the performance of electrical wiring. It's important to choose a wire that's suitable for the environment in which it will be installed to ensure safe and reliable electrical performance.

6. Local Building Codes

Local building codes can have a significant impact on the size and type of wire that can be used for a 100 amp sub panel. It's important to check and comply with local building codes, including wire size and conduit requirements, to ensure that your electrical installation is safe and up to code. Failure to comply with local building codes can result in fines, legal penalties, and the need to redo the electrical installation, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Recommended Wire Sizes for 100 Amp Sub Panel

Here are some recommended wire sizes for a 100 amp sub panel:

• #2 AWG copper
• #2/0 AWG aluminum
• #3/0 AWG copper
• #4/0 AWG aluminum

Choosing the Right Conduit

The conduit is the protective casing that surrounds the wire and protects it from physical damage and environmental factors. When choosing the right conduit for your 100 amp sub panel, consider factors such as:

• Size of the wire
• Length of the wire run
• Environmental factors
• Local building codes

Why Use Copper Wire for 100 Amp Sub Panel

Copper wire is the preferred choice for electrical wiring because of its excellent conductivity and durability. Copper is also resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for electrical systems in harsh environments. Copper wire is also relatively easy to work with and is readily available.

Here are some the reasons in more details:

• Conductivity: Copper has excellent conductivity, making it a popular choice for electrical wiring. This means that there is less resistance to the flow of electricity, making it a more efficient option.
• Durability: Copper is a durable metal that is resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and wear and tear, making it ideal for use in electrical wiring applications.
• Flexibility: Copper is a flexible metal, making it easy to bend and shape for use in a variety of electrical wiring applications. This makes it a good choice for use in tight spaces or around curves.
• Versatility: Copper is a versatile metal that can be used in a variety of electrical wiring applications, from residential homes to commercial buildings and industrial facilities.
• Cost-Effective: Despite its many benefits, copper is also a cost-effective option for electrical wiring, especially when compared to other metals like gold or silver.
• Environmentally Friendly: Copper is a naturally occurring metal that is easily recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice for electrical wiring applications.
• Meets Safety Standards: Copper wire meets the safety standards set by the National Electric Code (NEC), making it a safe and reliable choice for electrical wiring applications.
• Easy to Install: Copper wire is easy to install and work with, making it a good choice for electrical contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike.
• Improved Performance: Copper wire has a high current carrying capacity, which can improve the performance of electrical circuits and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
• Increased Longevity: Copper wire has a long lifespan, making it a good choice for electrical wiring applications that need to last for many years.

Why Use Aluminum Wire for 100 Amp Sub Panel

Aluminum wire is a less expensive option than copper but is more susceptible to corrosion and is not as conductive as copper. Aluminum wire is also more difficult to work with than copper, which can make installation more challenging. However, if you're on a tight budget, aluminum wire can be a viable option for your 100 amp sub panel.

Here are some the reasons in more details:

• Cost-effectiveness: Aluminum is a more cost-effective option compared to copper, making it an attractive choice for electrical wiring applications.
• Lightweight: Aluminum is a lightweight metal, making it easier to handle and install compared to heavier materials like copper.
• High Conductivity: Aluminum has a high conductivity rating, meaning it can effectively carry electrical current, making it a good choice for electrical wiring applications.
• Increased Current Carrying Capacity: Aluminum wire has a high current carrying capacity, which can improve the performance of electrical circuits and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
• Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum is resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for electrical wiring applications in damp or humid environments.
• Easy to Install: Aluminum wire is easy to install, making it a good choice for electrical contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike.
• Meets Safety Standards: Aluminum wire meets the safety standards set by the National Electric Code (NEC), making it a safe and reliable choice for electrical wiring applications.
• Environmentally Friendly: Aluminum is a recyclable metal, making it an environmentally friendly choice for electrical wiring applications.
• Improved Heat Dissipation: Aluminum wire has a high thermal conductivity, which can improve heat dissipation in electrical circuits, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
• Increased Longevity: Aluminum wire has a long lifespan, making it a good choice for electrical wiring applications that need to last for many years.

Benefits of Installing 100 Amp Sub Panel

A 100 amp sub panel provides several benefits, including:

• Increased electrical capacity
• Improved safety
• Better electrical performance
• Improved accessibility to electrical components
• Increased flexibility in electrical system design

Types of Electrical Wire and Their Characteristics:

Type of Wire	Characteristics
THHN/THWN	Durable, flexible, resistant to moisture, heat and fire
XHHW/XHHW-2	Similar to THHN/THWN, but with improved heat resistance
Tin-coated copper	Resistant to corrosion, ideal for high humidity environments
PTFE/Teflon	Resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals, but more expensive

Factors to Consider When Choosing Conduit for 100 Amp Sub Panel:

Factor to Consider	Considerations
Type of conduit	Rigid metal conduit (RMC), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), flexible metal conduit (FMC)
Material	Galvanized steel, aluminum, PVC
Durability	Resistance to corrosion, impact, and weather
Cost	Budget-friendly options, such as PVC, may be available

Building Code Requirements for Electrical Wiring:

Building Code Requirement	Considerations
Clearance from other structures	Minimum distance between conduit and other objects, such as walls or ceilings
Minimum wire size	Based on amperage rating and length of wire run
Grounding requirements	Proper grounding for electrical panels, appliances, and other electrical devices
Number of electrical outlets	Minimum number of outlets required for safety and convenience