How Many 2/0 AWG Wires Fit in IMC Conduit?
Complete NEC-compliant fill chart for 2/0 AWG THHN wires in Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) conduit. Maximum wire counts for all standard conduit sizes.
Quick Answer
For 2/0 AWG THHN wires in IMC conduit at 40% fill (3+ wires):
- • 3/4" IMC: 1 wires
- • 1" IMC: 1 wires
- • 1-1/4" IMC: 2 wires
2/0 AWG in IMC Conduit Fill Chart
Conduit Size | Max Wires (40% Fill) | Fill % | Max Wires (Nipple 60%) | Fill % |
---|---|---|---|---|
3/4" | 1 | 38% | 1 | 38% |
1" | 1 | 23% | 2 | 46% |
1-1/4" | 2 | 27% | 4 | 54% |
1-1/2" | 4 | 40% | 6 | 60% |
2" | 6 | 36% | 9 | 55% |
2-1/2" | 11 | 38% | 17 | 59% |
3" | 17 | 39% | 26 | 60% |
3-1/2" | 22 | 39% | 33 | 58% |
4" | 28 | 39% | 42 | 59% |
Understanding the Fill Chart
According to NEC (National Electrical Code) Chapter 9, Table 1, the maximum conduit fill percentage depends on the number of conductors:
- 1 conductor: 53% fill maximum
- 2 conductors: 31% fill maximum
- 3 or more conductors: 40% fill maximum
- Nipples (24" or less): 60% fill maximum
This chart shows the maximum number of 2/0 AWG THHN conductors that can fit in each IMC conduit size while maintaining NEC compliance.
Calculation Example
Question: How many 2/0 AWG THHN wires can fit in 1" IMC conduit?
Wire area: 0.2223 sq in per conductor
Conduit internal area: 0.959 sq in
Allowable fill (40%): 0.3836 sq in
Maximum wires: 0.3836 ÷ 0.2223 = 1 wires
Answer: You can fit up to 1 wires of 2/0 AWG THHN in 1" IMC conduit.