What size wire
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
What size wire
Trying to save several bucks by doing the prep work and then call in an electrician to do the final hookup. Want to run 220v wire so I can upgrade compressor and mig welder. Currently running 4 stran #10 wire thru 75' of 4" conduit. Intend pulling out the existing 120 and replace with the 220. Thought about running #6 wire but not sure whether to run 3 or 4 stan wire. Would also like to include a 120v outlet but concerned trying to run #6 wire 4 stran, and #12 wire 3 stran thru the 4" conduit would be possible. Can I run just the #6 wire and would an electrician be able to branch off the 220 and include a 120 outlet; if so, would it then be best run the 4 stran? Sorry, read the thread and not sure it makes any sense to me. Thought I would check with member(s) who may have some electrician experience, could provide rec's, opiniors, or suggestions. Thanks
dave
dave
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
First thing I would do is call in the electrician. He can tell you what size wire you need. Residential (single phase) power consists of two 110 circuits, which, taken separately are used for 110, and combined make the 220. So you will have two hot leads coming in, plus a neutral and a ground wire. I get 4 total, but I'm not an electrician- thus my first suggestion! You can still pull the wires yourself, but get an expert to tell you what size and how many. The wire size is determined by your total expected load, and a little bit by the distance. I assume they will be coming off a breaker in your house main? The breaker also determines the wire size- the wire has to be big enough for the breaker it is attached to, regardless of intended usage.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,214
Likes: 13
From: New Jersey
Here's the AWG chart. For electrical work (AC) use the "power transmission" column. This is also a handy chart for "chassis wiring" which applies to the DC electrical system of your truck, so if you need to add/fix/modify wiring, you know what gauge you should be using.
http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
For your garage, whether your code requires it or not, I highly recommend armored (BX) cable or install the wires in galvanized conduit.
You'll appreciate having done so the first time you turn without thinking, with an old aluminum ladder on your shoulder, and nail the wall with the wires.
http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
For your garage, whether your code requires it or not, I highly recommend armored (BX) cable or install the wires in galvanized conduit.
You'll appreciate having done so the first time you turn without thinking, with an old aluminum ladder on your shoulder, and nail the wall with the wires.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Just got done digging access plate to the conduit and see that it's not 4" but rather 2", this put entirely new light on the subject. Must have baried the conduit some 25 plus years ago. Family telling me I am suffering from demintia, as soon as I can remember their names I intend to confront them. FLgargoyle, looks like I will be taking your advice, intend pulling existing wires then call the electrician for an estimate and recommendations. Appreciate the wire chart source, least have a heads up on what to expect, like to be able to talk the jargon and keep the electrician on his toes. Sorry for your time, goes against my precepts 'never engage in useless activity' or even better, ' only 'problem with engaging in useless activity is never knowing when your done' must be a Chinese proverb of some kind. Oh Oh, here I go again.
thanks!!
dave
thanks!!
dave
