2/0 AWG wire is a heavy-duty conductor for high-current power distribution and service entrance.

Here are typical amp ratings for 2/0 AWG wire as per NEC 2023 (Table 310.16):

1. Copper:
   • 75°C (167°F) insulation: 175 amps
   • 90°C (194°F) insulation: 195 amps
2. Aluminum :
   • 75°C (167°F) insulation: 135 amps
   • 90°C (194°F) insulation: 150 amps

The diameter of bare copper 2/0 wire is approximately 0.3648 inches (9.27 mm), while the diameter of bare aluminum 2/0 wire is 0.3937 inches (10.00 mm).

Common applications of 2/0 wire

Residential and commercial power distribution:

• Service entrance cables to connect utility power to main panels.
• Secondary power distribution in buildings (e.g., from the main panel to sub-panels).

Industrial applications:

• Power feeders for heavy equipment and machinery.
• Distribution systems in industrial plants requiring high current loads.

Battery and solar power systems:

• Connecting batteries in solar energy systems.
• High-current DC circuits, such as battery banks and inverters.

Underground power distribution:

• URD (Underground Residential Distribution) cables for secondary distribution systems.
• Often used for direct burial or in conduit.

Welding and portable power:

• In welding leads and power extension for portable machinery.
• Temporary power setups in construction or mining.

Marine and automotive:

• Heavy-duty applications in marine vessels for engine power and auxiliary systems.
• Automotive applications like connecting alternators or large battery banks.

Renewable energy systems:

• Wiring for wind turbines and larger photovoltaic (PV) systems.
• Connecting equipment where high efficiency and durability are crucial.

Backup power systems:

• Connections for large generators or backup power systems.

Building Wire (THHN/THWN-2, XHHW-2)

• Material: Copper or aluminum.
• Applications:
  • In 2/0 size, it’s commonly used as main power feeders in buildings to carry high-current loads from the utility connection to distribution panels.
  • Often installed in conduits or raceways in industrial and commercial buildings where high ampacity is required.
• Why 2/0?: Large ampacity (175-195A for copper, 135-150A for aluminum) makes it ideal for these roles.

Service Entrance Cable (SER/SEU)

• Material: Copper or aluminum.
• Applications:
  • 2/0 SER cable supplies power from the utility meter to the main breaker panel in residential or light commercial buildings.
  • SEU cable (underground service) connects utility power to buildings via direct burial or ducts.
• Why 2/0?: The size supports the typical current demand for residential service entrances, often rated for 200A.

Underground residential distribution cable (URD)

• Material: Aluminum.
• Applications:
  • In 2/0 size, URD cable is used for secondary distribution systems, carrying power from transformers to service meters in residential areas.
  • Installed via direct burial or in conduits for underground systems.
• Why 2/0?: It can handle typical household loads (e.g., 150-200A service). It is also budget-friendly for the level of performance it offers.

Welding Cable

• Material: Copper.
• Applications:
  • 2/0 welding cable connects welding machines to electrodes and delivers the high current required for heavy-duty welding operations.
  • Also used for temporary power in construction sites and portable machinery.
• Why 2/0?: It’s flexible and can handle the high current demands (up to 200-300A) for heavy welding tasks.

Battery Cable

• Material: Copper.
• Applications:
  • 2/0 battery cables are used to connect large battery banks to inverters in solar power systems or backup power setups.
  • In automotive or marine applications, they link battery terminals to power distribution systems requiring high current.
• Why 2/0?: High conductivity and capacity for low-voltage, high-current DC systems (e.g., 200A or more).

Submersible Pump Cable

• Material: Copper.
• Applications:
  • 2/0 submersible pump cable power large pumps in deep wells or industrial water systems requiring high horsepower motors.
  • Typically supports pumps rated for 10-15 HP.
• Why 2/0?: Ensures minimal voltage drop for pumps operating at higher currents over long distances.

Direct Burial Cable (USE-2/RHH/RHW-2)

• Material: Copper or aluminum.
• Applications:
  • 2/0 USE-2 cable connects the utility transformer to service meters via direct burial installations.
  • Often used for feeders in outdoor and underground residential or light commercial applications.
• Why 2/0?: Provides sufficient ampacity for secondary power distribution while withstanding underground environmental conditions.

Medium voltage cable

• Material: Copper or aluminum.
• Applications:
  • In 2/0 size, it is used in primary power distribution systems within industrial facilities or utility networks.
  • Supplies medium-voltage (1kV–15kV) loads such as transformers or large motors.
• Why 2/0?: Supports high-voltage systems requiring moderate current levels, offering durability and heat resistance.

At Nassau National Cable, you can buy a large variety of 2/0 cables, including

• Aluminum SER
• Aluminum SEU
• Copper SER
• Copper SEU
• THHN/THWN-2
• XHHW/XHHW-2
• Aluminum URD
• Welding Cable
• Submersible Pump Cable
• USE-2/RHH/RHW-2