What Is the Voltage Drop for 3/0 AWG at 94A and 50 Feet?

3/0 AWG copper carrying 94 amps over 50 feet on a single-phase / DC circuit drops 0.72 volts (0.6% 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.

3/0 AWG, 94A, 50ft · single-phase / DC

0.72 V drop (0.6% on 120V)

On 120V circuit0.6%

On 240V circuit0.3%

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

3/0 AWG

Amps

Feet

Drop @ 120V

0.72V (0.60%)

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 × 50 × 94 × 0.0766) ÷ 1000 = 0.72 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: (0.72 ÷ 120) × 100 = 0.6%

On 240V: (0.72 ÷ 240) × 100 = 0.3%

How This Estimate Changes with Run Length and Gauge

Gauge Check

3/0 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 3/0 AWG at 94A at different distances:

Distance	Drop (V)	% on 120V	% on 240V	NEC (120V)
25ft	0.36V	0.3%	0.15%	OK
50ft	0.72V	0.6%	0.3%	OK
75ft	1.08V	0.9001%	0.45%	OK
100ft	1.44V	1.2%	0.6%	OK
150ft	2.16V	1.8%	0.9001%	OK
200ft	2.88V	2.4%	1.2%	OK
300ft	4.32V	3.6%	1.8%	Caution

Same Run, Different Wire Gauges

How does wire gauge affect voltage drop for 94A at 50 feet on 120V single-phase / DC? Only gauges whose branch-circuit OCP cap is at or above the 94A 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)
3/0 AWG	0.72V	0.6%	0.3%	OK
4/0 AWG	0.5715V	0.4763%	0.2381%	OK
250 kcmil	0.4841V	0.4034%	0.2017%	OK
300 kcmil	0.4033V	0.3361%	0.168%	OK
350 kcmil	0.345V	0.2875%	0.1437%	OK
500 kcmil	0.2425V	0.2021%	0.1011%	OK

Related Calculations

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the voltage drop for 3/0 AWG at 94A and 50ft?expand_more

3/0 AWG carrying 94A over 50ft has a 0.72V drop (0.6% on 120V). Reference: 0.3% 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 0.3% on 240V versus 0.6% on 120V.

Does 3/0 AWG meet the 3% drop target at 94A and 50ft on 120V?expand_more

On 120V, this run sits at 0.6%, 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.

What wire gauge should I use instead of 3/0 AWG for this run?expand_more

3/0 AWG already sits within the 3% branch-circuit drop target at these inputs (0.6% 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.

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.