12 ga nine conductor...


  #1  
Old 07-15-06, 09:57 AM
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
12 ga nine conductor...

Hello,

I have a length of cable that has nine individual 12ga insulated conductors wrapped with a weatherproof sheathing. I need a run of 65' 120v @ 30 amps.

My question: I want to divide the 9 conductors into 3 to get the amps for the 60' run. Will there be a problem twisting the 9 individualy insulated conductors into 3 to get my 65'/120v/30a? Would the insulation between the conductors prevent the electrical distribution evenly from the breaker to the outlet?

Thanks for the help. Please feel free to email me with any suggestions or quesitons.

Respectfully,

DJ
 
  #2  
Old 07-15-06, 10:06 AM
L
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: North of Boston, MA.
Posts: 1,967
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Not a good idea. Kinda the cheap lazy way out.
With that said.... What is the voltage rating on the cable and the conductors? What is the insulation on the jacket of the cable and the conductors? This sounds like cable tray wire and probably not suitable for direct bury or outside use.
 
  #3  
Old 07-15-06, 10:18 AM
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Hey:

Your right about cheap way out. NEC says I need #8 AWG. Three runs at todays copper prices as you know means $$$.
The conductor in question is some old traffic signal cableing. It has span wire also attached so I will be running the conductor overhead. Am using the cable for a travel trailer 30A recepticle.

The cable has 9 conductors encapsulated by a weatherproof, UV resistant plastic. By my caculations, combining the 3 - 12ga together will give me more than adaquate circular mills to carry the load. My concern is will the insulation between the conductors be a hinderance from breaker to outlet?

Thanks for the help and advice.

Respectfully,

DJ
 
  #4  
Old 07-15-06, 10:22 AM
nap's Avatar
nap
nap is offline
New Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: north
Posts: 3,821
Upvotes: 0
Received 2 Upvotes on 2 Posts
It is not acceptable to parallel conductors smaller tha 1/0 AWG per NEC 310.4.
 
  #5  
Old 07-15-06, 10:24 AM
L
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: North of Boston, MA.
Posts: 1,967
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
#12s' in parallel will cary the 30 Amps, You need your neutral and your ground as well.
This is not my expertice, I would need to brush up on the over head codes and stuff.

Best wait for someone else with more knowledge in this area.

Sorry.
 
  #6  
Old 07-15-06, 10:35 AM
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Thanks....

Hey,

Will parallel the 9-12's into (3-ea.) 12's. Hot, neut., ground. This will be used outside overhead so hope this will help with the heat disapation.

Respectfully,

DJ
 
  #7  
Old 07-15-06, 12:04 PM
R
Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Central New York State
Posts: 13,245
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
No can do. Not allowed.
 
  #8  
Old 07-15-06, 12:10 PM
nap's Avatar
nap
nap is offline
New Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: north
Posts: 3,821
Upvotes: 0
Received 2 Upvotes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by racraft
No can do. Not allowed.
They ignored me, they will probably ignore you as well.

I guess when your trying to save a buck, there is nothing in your way, including the rules of installation.
 
  #9  
Old 07-15-06, 02:16 PM
L
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: North of Boston, MA.
Posts: 1,967
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by nap
They ignored me, they will probably ignore you as well.

I guess when your trying to save a buck, there is nothing in your way, including the rules of installation.

So true... I did not give this my blessings. (for the record).
 
  #10  
Old 07-15-06, 02:31 PM
Speedy Petey's Avatar
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,262
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Jeff, do NOT parallel these wires.

All you need is #10, not sure what NEC you were reading that told you you need #8.

65' x 3 of #10 may not be cheap, but it's not that expensive either.
Do the right thing.
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: