What Size Wire for a 60 Amp Circuit Breaker? (NEC Table 310.16)

Complete Copper vs. Aluminum AWG wire size, continuous load limit (48A max), ground wire gauge, and conduit sizing for 60A circuits (48A hardwired EV chargers (Tesla Wall Connector) & 60A garage subpanels).

Direct NEC Table 310.16 Answer for 60 Amps

6 AWG

Minimum Copper Wire (75°C)

THHN / THWN-2 / XHHW in Conduit

4 AWG

Minimum Aluminum Wire (75°C)

SER / XHHW-2 Feeder Cable

48 Amps

Max Continuous Load (80% Rule)

For loads running 3+ hours (EVs, lighting)

3/4" EMT

Recommended Conduit Size

Fits 3x 6 AWG + Ground under 40% fill

Common Applications for a 60A Circuit

48A hardwired EV chargers (Tesla Wall Connector) & 60A garage subpanels. Remember that under the NEC 125% continuous-load rule (NEC 210.19 & 210.20), a standard 60A breaker can only supply up to 48A of continuous load (any load that runs for 3 hours or more without stopping, such as an EV charger or commercial lighting).

When to Upsize for Voltage Drop (Over 100 Feet)

If your one-way wire run exceeds 100 feet at 240V (or 50 feet at 120V), step up one wire gauge from 6 AWG to keep total line voltage drop under the NEC 3% branch-circuit recommendation. Use our Voltage Drop Calculator to check your exact footage.

2. NEC Wire Size & Ampacity Calculator (Table 310.16)

Load Current (Amps)

Conductor Metal

Terminal Temp Rating

Conductors in Raceway

Continuous Load (runs 3+ hours continuously — apply NEC 125% rule)

What Size Wire for a 60 Amp Circuit Breaker? (NEC Table 310.16)

Direct NEC Table 310.16 Answer for 60 Amps

Common Applications for a 60A Circuit

When to Upsize for Voltage Drop (Over 100 Feet)

2. NEC Wire Size & Ampacity Calculator (Table 310.16)

Recommended Wire, Breakers & Termination Tools