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Ground Wire Size Calculator

Find the minimum equipment grounding conductor size from the overcurrent device rating using NEC Table 250.122, for copper or aluminum.

Rating of the overcurrent device protecting the circuit, in amps.

Copper grounding conductors are smaller than aluminum for the same rating.

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Sizing the Equipment Grounding Conductor

The equipment grounding conductor is sized from the rating of the overcurrent device that protects the circuit, not from the circuit load. NEC Table 250.122 gives the minimum size for each breaker or fuse rating. This calculator returns that minimum for copper or aluminum.

For a 100 amp breaker, for example, the table requires 8 AWG copper or 6 AWG aluminum.

When the Ground Must Be Upsized

If the circuit conductors are made larger than required, for instance to control voltage drop on a long run, NEC 250.122(B) requires the equipment grounding conductor to be increased in proportion to the circular mil increase of the ungrounded conductors. The table value is the starting point, not always the final size.

Grounding Conductor vs Grounded Conductor

The equipment grounding conductor in Table 250.122 is the bonding path that clears faults. It is different from the grounded conductor, which is the neutral, and from the grounding electrode conductor that connects to ground rods and is covered by Table 250.66.

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