Based on the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), the ampacity of 1 AWG wire is:
For copper wire (1 AWG):
At 60°C: about 110 amps
At 75°C: about 130 amps
At 90°C: about 145 amps
For aluminum wire (1 AWG):
At 60°C: about 85 amps
At 75°C: about 100 amps
At 90°C: about 115 amps
What are the common applications for 1 AWG cables?
1 AWG are heavy-duty and versatile cables used in various settings. They are often used in large homes to power different areas and in commercial buildings for systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and large machinery. They are also ideal for industrial applications for connecting heavy equipment. These cables can handle high currents, making them suitable for renewable energy installations and outdoor use, including underground installations. They ensure reliable and robust power distribution in both residential and commercial environments. Here are some common uses for 1 AWG cables:
Residential wiring: For large homes that require significant power distribution over long distances within the property, such as outbuildings or outdoor workshops.
Service feeders: These cables can be used as feeder wires from the main distribution panel or meter to subpanels within the building.
Commercial buildings: Ideal for wiring in commercial settings for HVAC systems, large lighting arrays, or machinery.
Industrial applications:1 AWG cables are often used in industrial environments to connect heavy machinery or large engines.
Energy distribution: They are used in temporary settings for events or on construction sites to distribute power from generators to various tools and temporary installations.
Renewable energy facilities: Suitable for connecting components in solar panels or wind turbine installations, especially for low-voltage and high-current parts of the system.
Underground and outdoor wiring: With proper insulation, 1 AWG cables can be used for direct burial applications or outdoor settings where exposure to environmental elements is a concern.
Common types of 1 AWG wire
AWG wire is available in several types, each suitable for different applications and environments. Here are some common types:
then/thon: This is one of the most common types of building wire used in residential and commercial wiring for lighting fixtures, appliances, and outlets. It is suitable for dry and wet places. At 1 AWG, it is used in larger circuits such as main power feeders or large appliance circuits within a building.
XHHW-2 Similar to THHN/THWN in use but with better insulating properties, making it ideal for humid and high temperature environments. It is often used in industrial or commercial buildings, HVAC systems, and large equipment.
Usage-2/RHH/RHW-2: This type of wire is suitable for service entry, direct burial and feeder wires for subpanels. It has excellent moisture and heat resistance properties. At 1 AWG, it is often used as a service entrance cable to connect the main power supply to the main distribution panel of a home or building, especially in settings that may expose the cable to moisture.
Welding cable: Welding cable is a flexible cable used in welding applications. 1 AWG is often used in welding settings where a large amount of current is needed.
DLO (diesel locomotive cable)Highly durable and versatile, DLO cable is used in railway applications, shipyards and other industrial environments that require a strong, flexible cable.
TECK90: This armored cable is designed for harsh environments and provides excellent mechanical protection while resisting oils, solvents and moisture. With a size of 1 AWG, it is used for power supply in industrial environments.
(SEO/SE Europe) It is used to deliver power from utility lines to the consumer’s meter base and then to the distribution board. 1 AWG cable serves as the main service entrance cable in residential settings.
What is the size of a single AWG cable?
The actual diameter of the copper or aluminum conductor in 1 AWG cable is usually about 7.35 mm (0.289 in).
Including insulation and any protective jacket, the total diameter of a 1 AWG cable can range from about 9 mm to over 15 mm (0.35 in. to 0.59 in.), depending on the type of insulation and sheathing materials used.
