Neutral Conductor Sizing Calculator
Size neutral conductors for balanced and unbalanced loads per NEC.
NEC Neutral Requirements
- 220.61: Neutral load is maximum unbalanced load
- 220.61(B): Neutral can be reduced to 70% for portion over 200A
- Exception: No reduction for non-linear loads (3rd harmonic)
- 250.24(C): Grounded conductor sized per 250.66
- 310.15(E): Neutral counts as current-carrying for non-linear loads
Conductor Ampacity (NEC 310.16 - 75C Column)
| Size | Copper | Aluminum | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AWG | 55A | 45A | Small subpanels |
| 4 AWG | 70A | 55A | Subpanels |
| 2 AWG | 95A | 75A | 100A service |
| 1/0 AWG | 125A | 100A | 125A service |
| 2/0 AWG | 145A | 115A | 150A service |
| 3/0 AWG | 165A | 130A | 175A service |
| 4/0 AWG | 195A | 150A | 200A service |
| 250 kcmil | 215A | 170A | 225A service |
| 350 kcmil | 260A | 205A | 300A service |
| 500 kcmil | 320A | 260A | 400A service |