4/0 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire specifications: 11.684 mm diameter, 107.2193 mm² area, 230A ampacity (copper, 75°C). Resistance, weight, and common uses.
| Diameter | 11.684 mm · 0.46" · 460.0 mils |
| Cross-sectional area | 107.2193 mm² · 211,600 circular mils |
| Resistance (copper, 20°C) | 0.1608 Ω/km · 0.049 Ω/1000ft |
| Resistance (aluminum, 20°C) | 0.2636 Ω/km · 0.0803 Ω/1000ft |
| Ampacity — copper 60°C | 195 A |
| Ampacity — copper 75°C | 230 A |
| Ampacity — copper 90°C | 260 A |
| Ampacity — aluminum 75°C | 180 A |
| Weight (copper) | 960.685 kg/km · 645.55 lbs/1000ft |
| Weight (aluminum) | 289.492 kg/km · 194.529 lbs/1000ft |
| Closest IEC 60228 size | 120 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 |
4/0 AWG copper is commonly used for 200A services and feeders where extra capacity or lower voltage drop is wanted (Table 310.16 alone needs only 3/0 copper at 200A). NEC Table 310.16 rates it 230A at 75°C. It measures 11.684 mm in diameter with a 107 mm² cross-section.
Per NEC Table 310.16 (30°C ambient, no more than three current-carrying conductors), 4/0 AWG copper is rated 195A at 60°C, 230A at 75°C and 260A at 90°C. 4/0 AWG aluminum is rated 150A, 180A and 205A in the same columns. Above 100A, NEC 110.14(C) allows the 75°C column when terminations are rated 75°C.
Yes. 4/0 AWG aluminum is rated 180A at 75°C versus 230A for copper. 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.