8 AWG voltage drop at 50 feet
Computed voltage drop for 8 AWG copper conductors on a 50 ft one-way run.
3.06 V
drop on 8 AWG copper, 50 ft one-way, 40 A load · 2.5% of 120 V · 1.3% of 240 V
8 AWG at 50 ft by load
| Load | Drop | % at 120 V | % at 240 V | 3% rule (240 V) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 A | 0.76 V | 0.6% | 0.3% | OK |
| 20 A | 1.53 V | 1.3% | 0.6% | OK |
| 30 A | 2.29 V | 1.9% | 1.0% | OK |
| 40 A | 3.06 V | 2.5% | 1.3% | OK |
Vd = 2 × length × R × I ÷ 1000, R = 0.764 Ω/1000 ft (copper, NEC Ch. 9 Table 8). Aluminum is about 1.6× higher.
Same wire, other distances
25 ft · 75 ft · 100 ft · 125 ft · 150 ft · 200 ft · 250 ft · 300 ft
FAQ
What is the voltage drop on 8 AWG wire at 50 feet?
At 40 A (80% of its 50 A 75°C rating) 8 AWG copper drops 3.06 V over 50 ft one-way: 2.5% at 120 V or 1.3% at 240 V.
How far can I run 8 AWG at 40 amps?
To stay within 3% at 120 V, about 59 ft one-way; at 240 V about 118 ft.