50 Amp Wire Size — NEC Guide for Range, Hot Tub & EV Charger Circuits

The NEC answer for 50-amp circuits: #6 AWG copper or #4 AWG aluminum at the 75°C column of NEC Table 310.15(B)(16). This guide covers electric range wiring, hot tub circuits, 50A EV chargers, and RV pedestals — with voltage drop guidance for longer runs.

50 Amp Wire Size — Quick Reference

Copper (75°C)#6 AWG — 65A rated
Aluminum (75°C)#4 AWG — 65A rated
Standard Breaker Size50A (NEC 240.6)
Outlet Type (range/RV)NEMA 14-50 (4-wire, 240V)
NEC SourceTable 310.15(B)(16)
Calculate for Your Run Length →

Why #6 AWG Copper for a 50-Amp Circuit?

Per NEC Table 310.15(B)(16), #6 AWG copper is rated 55A at 60°C and 65A at 75°C. Paired with a 50A breaker, it is protected within its ampacity limit and provides a 15A safety margin above the breaker size. The 65A rated conductor exceeds the 50A breaker, which is the correct design — the breaker trips before the wire is stressed.

For aluminum, #4 AWG is the minimum: #4 AWG aluminum is rated 65A at 75°C, providing the same margin over the 50A breaker. Aluminum is a common choice for longer runs where weight and material cost matter.

Common 50-Amp Circuit Applications

  • Electric range / stove / oven: Standard 50A double-pole, 240V, NEMA 14-50. 4-wire required for new circuits.
  • 50-amp RV pedestal: NEMA 14-50 outlet for large RVs and travel trailers with dual A/C units
  • Hot tub / spa: 50A GFCI breaker, 4-wire, with a listed disconnect within sight per NEC 680
  • 50A EV charger (Level 2 EVSE, 40A output): 40A EVSE on a 50A circuit per NEC 625.42 continuous load rule
  • Subpanel feeder: 50A feeder to a small outbuilding, garage, or workshop subpanel

Voltage Drop on 50-Amp Circuits

#6 Cu, 240V, 50A — 3% limit~46 ft (one-way)
#4 Cu, 240V, 50A — 3% limit~73 ft (one-way)
#2 Cu, 240V, 50A — 3% limit~116 ft (one-way)

For ranges and ovens within 30–40 feet of the panel, #6 AWG copper typically satisfies both ampacity and voltage drop. For RV pedestals, hot tubs, or EV chargers at greater distances, upsize the conductor. Use the Wire Size Calculator for your specific run.

Related Calculators & Guides

Wire size calculator — 50A 240V for any run length EV charger wire size guide — Level 2 EVSE wiring by NEC 625 Electric range wire size guide — NEC 220.55 Circuit breaker size calculator 30-amp wire size guide — dryer and A/C circuits

Frequently Asked Questions

Per NEC Table 310.15(B)(16): #6 AWG copper (65A at 75°C) or #4 AWG aluminum (65A at 75°C) are the minimums for a 50A circuit at standard conditions.

No. NEC 240.4 requires the conductor to have adequate ampacity. #8 AWG copper (50A at 75°C) exactly matches the breaker with no margin, and this is not the standard for general circuits. #6 AWG (65A) is the correct minimum for 50A circuits.

#6 AWG copper (4-wire: two hots, neutral, ground) with a 50A double-pole breaker and NEMA 14-50 outlet. NEC 250.140 requires 4-wire for all new range circuits.

#6 AWG copper or #4 AWG aluminum with a 50A double-pole breaker and NEMA 14-50 outlet. For long runs to RV parks or campgrounds, verify voltage drop and upsize if needed.

#6 AWG copper 4-wire (240V) with a 50A double-pole GFCI breaker and a listed disconnect within sight of the equipment per NEC 680.12.

Approximately 46 feet one-way before exceeding the NEC 3% voltage drop recommendation. For longer runs upsize to #4 AWG (about 73 feet) or #2 AWG (about 116 feet).