1 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire specifications: 7.3481 mm diameter, 42.4077 mm² area, 130A ampacity (copper, 75°C). Resistance, weight, and common uses.
| Diameter | 7.3481 mm · 0.289297" · 289.3 mils |
| Cross-sectional area | 42.4077 mm² · 83,693 circular mils |
| Resistance (copper, 20°C) | 0.4065 Ω/km · 0.1239 Ω/1000ft |
| Resistance (aluminum, 20°C) | 0.6664 Ω/km · 0.2031 Ω/1000ft |
| Ampacity — copper 60°C | 110 A |
| Ampacity — copper 75°C | 130 A |
| Ampacity — copper 90°C | 145 A |
| Ampacity — aluminum 75°C | 100 A |
| Weight (copper) | 379.973 kg/km · 255.33 lbs/1000ft |
| Weight (aluminum) | 114.501 kg/km · 76.941 lbs/1000ft |
| Closest IEC 60228 size | 50 mm² |
| Skin depth at 60 Hz | 8.531 mm |
| Type | Temperature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| THHN/THWN-2 | 90°C dry / 75°C wet | Most common for building wire |
| XHHW-2 | 90°C dry and wet | Cross-linked polyethylene, moisture resistant |
| USE-2 | 90°C | Underground service entrance |
| NM-B (Romex) | 90°C | Non-metallic sheathed cable for residential |
| UF-B | 60°C | Underground feeder, direct burial |
1 AWG copper is commonly used for 100A subpanel feeders. NEC Table 310.16 rates it 130A at 75°C. It measures 7.348 mm in diameter with a 42.4 mm² cross-section.
Per NEC Table 310.16 (30°C ambient, no more than three current-carrying conductors), 1 AWG copper is rated 110A at 60°C, 130A at 75°C and 145A at 90°C. 1 AWG aluminum is rated 85A, 100A and 115A in the same columns. On circuits of 100A or less, NEC 110.14(C) generally requires the 60°C column unless every termination is rated 75°C.
Yes. 1 AWG aluminum is rated 100A at 75°C versus 130A for copper, so matching the copper rating takes 2/0 AWG aluminum. Aluminum at this size is common for feeders, subpanels and service conductors (SER, USE-2, XHHW-2). Use AL-rated lugs, torque to the manufacturer’s spec and apply antioxidant compound where required.