Howdy,
On Mon, 21 Feb 2011, eric at megageek.com wrote:
> I need to run a 50amp circuit about 50 or 60 feet.
>
> A calculator on the web says that 55' of 50amp circuit would require 10#
> wire. Does that sound right? Anyone know what the code states?
>
> Here is the calc...
>
> http://www.elec-toolbox.com/calculators/voltdrop.htm
That sounds pretty light to me. Rule of thumb says a 30A circuit needs 10
gauge, IIRC. In my house, I'd probably use 6 gauge for that run.
Watch the calculators, because they sometimes assume things that aren't
true I think. I've used them and come up with lighter wire gauges then
were commonly accepted for stuff. I think its the difference between
"always works" and "only works when you can engineer / control everything
about it."
For me, the cost savings has never justified trying to do the minimum.
Mark
|