What wire size do I need for 60 amps?

For a 60-amp circuit, use 6 AWG copper wire or 4 AWG aluminum wire. This is per NEC Table 310.16 at 75°C insulation temperature. Common uses: garage sub-panels, large EV chargers, and heavy equipment.

What breaker do I need for 60 amps?

A 60-amp circuit uses a 60A double-pole circuit breaker. The breaker protects the 6 AWG copper (or 4 AWG aluminum) wire from overload. Double-pole breakers are used for 240V circuits and occupy two slots in the panel.

What wire size for a 60-amp garage sub-panel?

A 60-amp garage sub-panel feeder uses 6 AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum wire. This capacity supports a small workshop with power tools, lighting, outlets, and a dedicated 240V circuit for a compressor or welder.

What is the difference between 50A and 60A circuits?

Both 50A and 60A circuits use 6 AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum wire per NEC 310.16. The difference is the breaker size. 50A circuits power ranges, hot tubs, and most EV chargers. 60A circuits are used for sub-panels, larger welders, and high-draw HVAC equipment.

What Wire Size for 60 Amps?

Copper Wire

6 AWG

4.1154 mm · 13.3018 mm²

Aluminum Wire

4 AWG

5.1894 mm · 21.1506 mm²

Breaker: 60A · Based on NEC Table 310.16 (75°C insulation)

Common Uses for 60A Circuits

Sub-panels, large EV chargers, heavy equipment

6 AWG Copper — Key Specs

Diameter	4.1154 mm (0.162023")
Area	13.3018 mm²
Resistance at 20°C	1.2961 Ω/km
Weight	119.184 kg/km
Ampacity (75°C)	65 A

Important: For long wire runs, you may need to upsize the wire to compensate for voltage drop. NEC recommends keeping voltage drop under 3% for branch circuits. Use our voltage drop calculator to check.

Voltage Drop by Distance — 6 AWG Copper at 60A

One-way run	Drop	% of 240V	Verdict
25 ft	1.19 V	0.5%	Within the 3% branch-circuit target
50 ft	2.37 V	1.0%	Within the 3% branch-circuit target
75 ft	3.55 V	1.5%	Within the 3% branch-circuit target
100 ft	4.74 V	2.0%	Within the 3% branch-circuit target
150 ft	7.11 V	3.0%	Within the 3% branch-circuit target
200 ft	9.48 V	4.0%	Over 3% — upsize one gauge

Single-phase, 240V, full 60A load, 0.395 Ω/1000 ft DC resistance (NEC Chapter 9, Table 8) at 75°C terminations. NEC 210.19(A) Informational Note recommends keeping branch-circuit drop at or below 3%, and 5% total across feeder plus branch circuit. Voltage drop is a performance recommendation, not a code requirement — but exceeding it causes dim lights, slow motor starts, and wasted energy.

Related Appliance Guides

Garage Sub-Panel

60A double-pole · 6 AWG

Wire types and insulation ratings → 60 amp breaker — wire, ground and load → NEC Table 250.122 — ground wire size → 6 AWG full specifications → Full AWG chart → Wire size calculator → Ampacity tables →