What Is the Voltage Drop for 2 AWG at 53A and 100 Feet?

2 AWG copper carrying 53 amps over 100 feet on a single-phase / DC circuit drops 2.06 volts (1.71% on a 120V source). This sits within the 3% branch target and the 5% feeder+branch total target that NEC 210.19(A) Informational Note 4 cites. Both are planning targets, not code requirements.

2 AWG, 53A, 100ft · single-phase / DC

2.06 V drop (1.71% on 120V)

On 120V circuit1.71%

On 240V circuit0.8568%

Circuit basis: This uses the single-phase / DC round-trip formula (factor of 2) for the voltage drop across the two circuit conductors. For a three-phase line-to-line run use the three-phase version of the page (append ?type=3ph). Switch to the three-phase version →

Gauge

2 AWG

Amps

Feet

Drop @ 120V

2.06V (1.71%)

Assumes a 120V source on a single-phase / DC circuit. Use the circuit-basis link above to switch between single-phase/DC and three-phase.

Voltage Drop Formula (single-phase / DC)

V_drop = (2 × L × I × R) ÷ 1000

(2 × 100 × 53 × 0.194) ÷ 1000 = 2.06 V

DC and single-phase AC use the round-trip factor of 2. Current travels out to the load on one conductor and returns on another.

For a three-phase circuit at the same amps and distance, see the three-phase version (uses √3 instead of 2, so the drop is about 13.4% lower).

Percentage

%VD = (V_drop ÷ V_source) × 100

On 120V: (2.06 ÷ 120) × 100 = 1.71%

On 240V: (2.06 ÷ 240) × 100 = 0.8568%

How This Estimate Changes with Run Length and Gauge

Gauge Check

2 AWG clears the 3% drop target at these inputs. A smaller conductor may also meet it with less margin. See the minimum gauge for this load and distance.

Impact of Distance

Voltage drop is proportional to distance. Here is 2 AWG at 53A at different distances:

Distance	Drop (V)	% on 120V	% on 240V	NEC (120V)
25ft	0.5141V	0.4284%	0.2142%	OK
50ft	1.03V	0.8568%	0.4284%	OK
75ft	1.54V	1.29%	0.6426%	OK
100ft	2.06V	1.71%	0.8568%	OK
150ft	3.08V	2.57%	1.29%	OK
200ft	4.11V	3.43%	1.71%	Caution
300ft	6.17V	5.14%	2.57%	Past 5%

Same Run, Different Wire Gauges

How does wire gauge affect voltage drop for 53A at 100 feet on 120V single-phase / DC? Only gauges whose branch-circuit OCP cap is at or above the 53A load are listed, since thinner gauges would fail the ampacity check before drop even matters.

Gauge	Drop (V)	% on 120V	% on 240V	3% Target (120V)
2 AWG	2.06V	1.71%	0.8568%	OK
1 AWG	1.63V	1.36%	0.6802%	OK
1/0 AWG	1.29V	1.08%	0.5388%	OK
2/0 AWG	1.03V	0.8542%	0.4271%	OK
3/0 AWG	0.812V	0.6766%	0.3383%	OK
4/0 AWG	0.6445V	0.5371%	0.2685%	OK

Related Calculations

cable Wire size: 53A, 100ft bolt Watts to amps calculator functions Voltage drop formula

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the voltage drop for 2 AWG at 53A and 100ft?expand_more

2 AWG carrying 53A over 100ft has a 2.06V drop (1.71% on 120V). Reference: 0.8568% on 240V.

Is voltage drop worse on 120V or 240V?expand_more

Same wire, same amps, same distance: the volts dropped are identical. But the percentage is worse on 120V because the drop is a larger fraction of the source voltage. This run would be 0.8568% on 240V versus 1.71% on 120V.

What wire gauge should I use instead of 2 AWG for this run?expand_more

2 AWG already sits within the 3% branch-circuit drop target at these inputs (1.71% on 120V). Going to a larger gauge is only useful if you want more headroom for future load growth, longer runs, or tighter drop targets like the 5% feeder+branch total recommendation used in sensitive or motor-heavy installations.

Does 2 AWG meet the 3% drop target at 53A and 100ft on 120V?expand_more

On 120V, this run sits at 1.71%, which is within the 3% branch and 5% feeder+branch total drop targets. NEC 210.19(A) Informational Note 4 cites 3% for branch circuits and 5% for total feeder+branch drop as performance recommendations, not hard code requirements.

Why does distance affect voltage drop?expand_more

Voltage drop is proportional to distance. The formula multiplies by 2 × the distance (out and back). Doubling the run doubles the drop.

This calculator provides estimates for reference purposes only. Always consult a licensed electrician and verify compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local electrical codes before performing any electrical work.