🔌 What Size Wire for a 60 Amp Breaker?
The short answer
The copper answer splits by temperature column: #6 at 75°C, but #4 at 60°C. Check the cable type and terminal markings before choosing between them.
The verified 75°C column gives #6 copper 65 A, so it passes 60 A. The verified 60°C column gives #6 copper only 55 A, so that method selects #4 copper at 70 A. This page does not use a next-size-up exception to make #6 pass at 60°C. Ampacity Check tool.
The #6-vs-#4 divide
Distance changes the answer
Minimum size at 240 V, sized at the full 60 A and kept at or under 3% voltage drop (one-way distance):
60 A at 240 V
| Material | 50 ft | 100 ft | 150 ft | 200 ft | 250 ft | 300 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Aluminum | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1/0 | 2/0 |
Common 60-amp jobs
A 48 A continuous EV charger produces a 60 A sizing load: 48 A × 1.25 = 60 A. Other common jobs include sub-panel feeds and larger heat-pump or mini-split circuits; follow the equipment nameplate.
Worked example: 60 A at 240 V over 150 feet
Our verified calculator selects #4 copper (41,740 circular mils): 2 × 12.9 × 60 × 150 ÷ 41,740 = 5.56 V, or 2.32% of 240 V. Distance now governs over the #6 copper 75°C ampacity floor.
Related
Sub-panel wire size guide · Wire Size calculator · Ampacity Check tool
60-amp wire size FAQ
- Can I run an EV charger on a 60 amp circuit?
- A 48 A continuous charger produces a 60 A sizing load: 48 A × 1.25 = 60 A. Confirm the charger's permitted setting, wiring method, terminal ratings, and local requirements.
- Why do people say both 6 and 4 gauge for 60 amps?
- Because both are real table answers. #6 copper passes in the 75°C column at 65 A; the 60°C lookup requires #4 copper because #6 is only 55 A there.
- What about a 60 amp sub-panel?
- Use the sub-panel guide for feeder details and distance tables. This page only answers the 60 A breaker-and-conductor view.