what size wire for 60 amp

The optimal wire sizes for a 60 Amp circuit breaker are 4 AWG copper or 3 AWG aluminum. The ampacity of the 4 AWG copper wire is 85 amps at 75°C, while the ampacity of the 3 AWG aluminum wire is 75 amps at 75°C. Smaller wires are not recommended even though their ampacity may be around 60 Amps because the maximum loading capacity of the electrical circuit should not exceed 80% . Instead, you might want to size up if the wire runs for over 100 feet to account for the voltage drop. Every 100 feet, there is approximately a 20% voltage drop. For runs over 100 feet, use 3 AWG aluminum and 2 AWG copper wire. Size up every 100 feet. However, some sources suggest using wire gauges ranging from 6 AWG to 4 AWG for 60-ampere breakers. It is important to note that the wire size depends on multiple factors, including the length of the wire, the maximum surface wire temperature, and the amperage. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a licensed electrician to determine the appropriate wire size for a 60 amp circuit breaker.