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You are here: Home / Design / Conductor Ampacity of AL

Conductor Ampacity of AL

As a solar system is designed you need to select the correct size conductor. The following tables will help in that selection. This information is based on the following:

  • National Electric Code (NEC) Table 310.16
  • Conductors rated 0 to 2000 V
  • Not more than 3 current carrying conductors in raceway, cable or direct buried
  • Ambient Temp 30C (86F)

Allowable Ampacity of Aluminum Conductors

Size AWG or kcmilConductor Temp
60C (140F)
Conductor Temp
75C (167F)
Conductor Temp
90C (194F)
12*202025
10*253035
8304045
6405060
4556575
3657585
27590100
185100115
1/0100120135
2/0115135150
3/0130155175
4/0150180205
250170205230
300190230255
350210250280
400225270305
500260310350

*12 AWG Maximum overcurrent = 15 amps
*10 AWG Maximum overcurrent = 25 amps

Correction Factors for Different Ambient Temperatures

For ambient temperatures other than 30C (86F) the following are multipliers used to adjust the above ampacity.  As the temperature of a conductor increases the amount of current the conductor can safety carry is reduced.

Ambient
Temperature (C)
Conductor Temp
60C (140F)
Conductor Temp
75C (167F)
Conductor Temp
90C (194F)
Ambient
Temperature (F)
21-251.081.051.0470-77
26-3011178-86
31-350.910.940.9687-95
36-400.820.880.9196-104
41-450.710.820.87105-113
46-500.580.750.82114-122
51-550.410.670.76123-131
56-6000.580.71132-140
61-7000.330.58141-158
71-80000.41159-179
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