12 AWG voltage drop at 250 feet
Computed voltage drop for 12 AWG copper conductors on a 250 ft one-way run.
15.44 V
drop on 12 AWG copper, 250 ft one-way, 16 A load · 12.9% of 120 V · 6.4% of 240 V
12 AWG at 250 ft by load
| Load | Drop | % at 120 V | % at 240 V | 3% rule (240 V) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 A | 3.86 V | 3.2% | 1.6% | OK |
| 8 A | 7.72 V | 6.4% | 3.2% | OK at 240 V up to 5% |
| 12 A | 11.58 V | 9.7% | 4.8% | OK at 240 V up to 5% |
| 16 A | 15.44 V | 12.9% | 6.4% | Upsize |
Vd = 2 × length × R × I ÷ 1000, R = 1.93 Ω/1000 ft (copper, NEC Ch. 9 Table 8). Aluminum is about 1.6× higher.
Same wire, other distances
25 ft · 50 ft · 75 ft · 100 ft · 125 ft · 150 ft · 200 ft · 300 ft
FAQ
What is the voltage drop on 12 AWG wire at 250 feet?
At 16 A (80% of its 20 A 75°C rating) 12 AWG copper drops 15.44 V over 250 ft one-way: 12.9% at 120 V or 6.4% at 240 V.
How far can I run 12 AWG at 16 amps?
To stay within 3% at 120 V, about 58 ft one-way; at 240 V about 117 ft.