Quick Reference — 3 AWG
Common uses: Sub-panels, large appliance circuits (ranges, dryers), feeder wires
Wire Properties
| AWG Size | 3 AWG |
| Diameter (inches) | 0.2294″ |
| Diameter (mm) | 5.827 mm |
| Cross-sectional area | 26.7 mm² (52620 circular mils) |
| Resistance — Copper | 0.197 Ω per 1000 ft @ 20°C |
| Resistance — Aluminum | 0.323 Ω per 1000 ft @ 20°C |
| Weight (copper) | ~159.3 lb per 1000 ft |
Ampacity (Current Carrying Capacity)
Per NEC Table 310.16 — Copper conductor, 3+ current-carrying conductors in raceway/cable:
| Insulation Rating | Ampacity |
|---|---|
| 60°C (TW, UF) | 85A |
| 75°C (THW, THWN, XHHW) | 100A |
| 90°C (THHN, XHHW-2) | 115A |
Note: Actual ampacity may be reduced by ambient temperature corrections and conduit fill derating factors per NEC 310.15.
Voltage Drop Example
For a 15A load on 3 AWG copper wire, 100 ft one-way run (120V circuit):
Wire resistance: 0.197 Ω/1000ft × 200ft (round trip) ÷ 1000 = 0.0394 Ω
Voltage drop: 15A × 0.0394 Ω = 0.59V
Percent drop: 0.59V ÷ 120V = 0.5%
NEC recommends ≤3% voltage drop for branch circuits, ≤5% total (feeder + branch).
Nearby Sizes for Comparison
| AWG | Dia (in) | Dia (mm) | Area (mm²) | Ω/1000ft Cu | Ampacity 75°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.2893 | 7.348 | 42.4 | 0.124 | 130A |
| 2 | 0.2576 | 6.544 | 33.6 | 0.156 | 115A |
| 3 | 0.2294 | 5.827 | 26.7 | 0.197 | 100A |
| 4 | 0.2043 | 5.189 | 21.2 | 0.249 | 85A |
⚠️ AWG Sizing Reminder
- In AWG, lower numbers = thicker wire. 4 AWG is much thicker than 14 AWG.
- Each 3-gauge decrease doubles the cross-sectional area (e.g., 11 AWG ≈ 2× the area of 14 AWG).
- Each 6-gauge decrease doubles the diameter.
- Always follow local electrical codes — NEC values are minimum requirements.
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