How Many 3/0 AWG Wires Fit in PVC Conduit?
Complete NEC-compliant fill chart for 3/0 AWG THHN wires in Schedule 40 PVC (PVC) conduit. Maximum wire counts for all standard conduit sizes.
Quick Answer
For 3/0 AWG THHN wires in PVC conduit at 40% fill (3+ wires):
- • 1" PVC: 1 wires
- • 1-1/4" PVC: 1 wires
- • 1-1/2" PVC: 2 wires
3/0 AWG in PVC Conduit Fill Chart
| Conduit Size | Max Wires (40% Fill) | Fill % | Max Wires (Nipple 60%) | Fill % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 1 | 37% | 1 | 37% |
| 1-1/4" | 1 | 21% | 2 | 43% |
| 1-1/2" | 2 | 31% | 3 | 46% |
| 2" | 4 | 37% | 6 | 55% |
| 2-1/2" | 7 | 39% | 10 | 56% |
| 3" | 11 | 38% | 17 | 59% |
| 3-1/2" | 14 | 37% | 22 | 59% |
| 4" | 18 | 38% | 28 | 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 3/0 AWG THHN conductors that can fit in each PVC conduit size while maintaining NEC compliance.
Calculation Example
Question: How many 3/0 AWG THHN wires can fit in 1-1/4" PVC conduit?
Wire area: 0.3039 sq in per conductor
Conduit internal area: 1.43 sq in
Allowable fill (40%): 0.5720 sq in
Maximum wires: 0.5720 ÷ 0.3039 = 1 wires
Answer: You can fit up to 1 wires of 3/0 AWG THHN in 1-1/4" PVC conduit.