14 AWG voltage drop at 250 feet
Computed voltage drop for 14 AWG copper conductors on a 250 ft one-way run.
18.42 V
drop on 14 AWG copper, 250 ft one-way, 12 A load · 15.4% of 120 V · 7.7% of 240 V
14 AWG at 250 ft by load
| Load | Drop | % at 120 V | % at 240 V | 3% rule (240 V) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 A | 4.61 V | 3.8% | 1.9% | OK |
| 6 A | 9.21 V | 7.7% | 3.8% | OK at 240 V up to 5% |
| 9 A | 13.81 V | 11.5% | 5.8% | Upsize |
| 12 A | 18.42 V | 15.4% | 7.7% | Upsize |
Vd = 2 × length × R × I ÷ 1000, R = 3.07 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 14 AWG wire at 250 feet?
At 12 A (80% of its 15 A 75°C rating) 14 AWG copper drops 18.42 V over 250 ft one-way: 15.4% at 120 V or 7.7% at 240 V.
How far can I run 14 AWG at 12 amps?
To stay within 3% at 120 V, about 49 ft one-way; at 240 V about 98 ft.