2 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire specifications: 6.5437 mm diameter, 33.6308 mm² area, 115A ampacity (copper, 75°C). Resistance, weight, and common uses.
| Diameter | 6.5437 mm · 0.257626" · 257.63 mils |
| Cross-sectional area | 33.6308 mm² · 66,371 circular mils |
| Resistance (copper, 20°C) | 0.5126 Ω/km · 0.1562 Ω/1000ft |
| Resistance (aluminum, 20°C) | 0.8403 Ω/km · 0.2561 Ω/1000ft |
| Ampacity — copper 60°C | 95 A |
| Ampacity — copper 75°C | 115 A |
| Ampacity — copper 90°C | 130 A |
| Ampacity — aluminum 75°C | 90 A |
| Weight (copper) | 301.332 kg/km · 202.486 lbs/1000ft |
| Weight (aluminum) | 90.803 kg/km · 61.017 lbs/1000ft |
| Closest IEC 60228 size | 35 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 |
2 AWG copper is commonly used for large feeders and subpanels around 90–100A. NEC Table 310.16 rates it 115A at 75°C. It measures 6.544 mm in diameter with a 33.6 mm² cross-section.
Per NEC Table 310.16 (30°C ambient, no more than three current-carrying conductors), 2 AWG copper is rated 95A at 60°C, 115A at 75°C and 130A at 90°C. 2 AWG aluminum is rated 75A, 90A and 100A 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. 2 AWG aluminum is rated 90A at 75°C versus 115A for copper, so matching the copper rating takes 1/0 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.