2 AWG to mm²
2 AWG (35 mm²) is proper battery cable. This is the gauge for 1200 W inverter feeds at 12V, interconnects on 200–400 Ah lithium banks, and the main run from battery to Class T fuse to busbar. Everything about working with it is different from branch wiring: fine-strand welding-style cable for flexibility, hydraulic crimpers for the lugs, and bolt-down fuses (ANL, Class T, MRBF) — there is no blade-fuse territory here.
All values on this page assume copper conductors at 20°C ambient. Aluminum has ~60% higher resistance for the same cross-section and is generally not recommended for low-voltage DC.
Calculate for your specific cable run
The tables below assume 2 AWG (35 mm²) copper. Use the calculator to confirm this gauge is correct for your exact load and length, or get a different gauge recommendation if needed.
= 60W
= 16.4 ft (one way, round-trip calculated automatically)
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Round-trip voltage drop for 2 AWG (35 mm²) copper wire at 20°C ambient. Cells highlighted in yellow exceed the 3% target; red cells exceed 5% and are not recommended.
| Current | 1 m / 3 ft | 3 m / 10 ft | 5 m / 16 ft | 10 m / 33 ft | 20 m / 66 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 A | 0.031 V (0.26%) | 0.092 V (0.77%) | 0.15 V (1.28%) | 0.31 V (2.55%) | 0.61 V (5.10%) |
| 50 A | 0.051 V (0.43%) | 0.15 V (1.28%) | 0.26 V (2.13%) | 0.51 V (4.25%) | 1.02 V (8.50%) |
| 70 A | 0.071 V (0.60%) | 0.21 V (1.79%) | 0.36 V (2.98%) | 0.71 V (5.95%) | 1.43 V (11.90%) |
| 90 A | 0.092 V (0.77%) | 0.28 V (2.30%) | 0.46 V (3.82%) | 0.92 V (7.65%) | 1.84 V (15.30%) |
| 110 A | 0.11 V (0.94%) | 0.34 V (2.81%) | 0.56 V (4.68%) | 1.12 V (9.35%) | 2.24 V (18.70%) |
2 AWG Voltage Drop at 24V DC
Round-trip voltage drop for 2 AWG (35 mm²) copper wire at 20°C ambient. Cells highlighted in yellow exceed the 3% target; red cells exceed 5% and are not recommended.
| Current | 1 m / 3 ft | 3 m / 10 ft | 5 m / 16 ft | 10 m / 33 ft | 20 m / 66 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 A | 0.031 V (0.13%) | 0.092 V (0.38%) | 0.15 V (0.64%) | 0.31 V (1.28%) | 0.61 V (2.55%) |
| 50 A | 0.051 V (0.21%) | 0.15 V (0.64%) | 0.26 V (1.06%) | 0.51 V (2.13%) | 1.02 V (4.25%) |
| 70 A | 0.071 V (0.30%) | 0.21 V (0.89%) | 0.36 V (1.49%) | 0.71 V (2.98%) | 1.43 V (5.95%) |
| 90 A | 0.092 V (0.38%) | 0.28 V (1.15%) | 0.46 V (1.91%) | 0.92 V (3.82%) | 1.84 V (7.65%) |
| 110 A | 0.11 V (0.47%) | 0.34 V (1.40%) | 0.56 V (2.34%) | 1.12 V (4.68%) | 2.24 V (9.35%) |
What is 2 AWG (35 mm²) used for?
Camper / RV applications
- Inverter feeds up to 1200 W at 12V (~100 A continuous)
- Battery bank interconnects on 200–400 Ah LiFePO4 banks
- Battery to Class T fuse to main busbar
- High-output alternator charge lines (100 A+)
- Chassis ground return straps on inverter installs
Boat / marine applications
- House bank main positive and negative runs
- Windlass feeds on 30–40 ft boats
- Inverter/charger combis around 1200 W
- Engine starting cables for mid-size diesels
- Bow thruster feeds on compact thrusters
Off-grid / solar applications
- Battery to 1000–1200 W inverter at 12V, or 2500 W at 24V
- Parallel bank interconnects with 100 A class BMS units
- Busbar feeds in battery cabinets
- Generator starting circuits
When to step up
- Inverter loads above 1200 W at 12V — use 1/0 AWG (50 mm²) or move to 24V
- Continuous current above 90 A — within 20% of ampacity
- Bank interconnects where BMS limits exceed 100 A per battery
- Any run beyond 3 m at 12V carrying more than 80 A
Fuse size for 2 AWG (35 mm²)
The fuse must protect the wire, not the load. For 2 AWG copper (35 mm²) the maximum fuse rating is 110 A. Below this ceiling, size the fuse at 125% of your continuous load current and round up to the next standard fuse size.
| Continuous Load | 125% Calculation | Recommended Fuse | Fuse Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 A | 25 A | 25 A | Blade (ATC) |
| 40 A | 50 A | 50 A | MAXI Blade |
| 60 A | 75 A | 80 A | ANL |
| 80 A | 100 A | 100 A | ANL |
| 100 A | 125 A | 125 A | ANL |
Related conversions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 2 AWG in mm²?
2 AWG is precisely 33.6 mm² by the IEC formula. The standard metric pairing is 35 mm² — the closest stocked size, marginally heavier. The VoltPlan calculator uses 35 mm² (110 A ampacity) as the metric equivalent of 2 AWG.
How many amps can 2 AWG wire handle?
2 AWG copper (35 mm²) is rated for 110 A continuous at 20°C in chassis wiring. That covers 1200 W inverters at 12V, 100 A alternator charge lines, and interconnects on banks with 100 A BMS limits.
What size fuse for 2 AWG battery cable?
Maximum 110 A ampacity → a 100 A or 110 A fuse is the ceiling. Size at 125% of continuous load below that: an 80 A inverter draw takes a 100 A fuse. On lithium banks use Class T or MRBF fuses for their high interrupt rating — ANL is acceptable on lead-acid systems.
Is 2 AWG enough for a 2000W inverter?
Not at 12V — a 2000 W inverter draws ~165 A continuous, well above the 110 A rating of 2 AWG. Use 4/0 AWG (120 mm²) at 12V, or better, run the system at 24V where 2000 W is ~83 A and 2 AWG works with margin. 2 AWG at 12V is right for inverters up to ~1200 W.
Do I need welding cable for 2 AWG runs?
Fine-strand cable (welding cable or marine battery cable) is strongly recommended at this size. Coarse-strand 2 AWG is stiff enough to put real stress on battery terminals and busbars, and it will not survive vibration in a vehicle. Marine-grade tinned fine-strand cable with adhesive heat-shrink lugs is the standard for camper and boat installs.