wire guage
#1
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wire guage
I am wiring with thwn wire in 1" conduit outside. Should I use #12 guage or go to #10 for the following. 75 ft. to two 150 watt 12volt transformer for lighting and two 60watt regular lights, then continuing on another 100 ft. to 1 outlet and another 150 watt 12volt transformer for lighting. #12 wire should be sufficient for the wattage, but it is a long distance. Any suggestions appreciated.
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#2
If I added correctly, you have 570 watts spread out over 250 feet. If you're sure that this is the total load, both now and in the future, then #12 is plenty. But the wild card in this mix is the "outlet" at the end. If you want to plug in a radio out there, then no problem. But if you want to plug in your weed-wacker, then you need heavier wire.
Bottom line is that everything here depends on what you might plug into that outlet, and nothing is known unless you know that. If you really want to be prepared for everything, you probably need #6. But that's a big waste of money for a radio.
Unless you have a definite need, I suggest you eliminate the outlet. It'll save you a lot of money.
Bottom line is that everything here depends on what you might plug into that outlet, and nothing is known unless you know that. If you really want to be prepared for everything, you probably need #6. But that's a big waste of money for a radio.
Unless you have a definite need, I suggest you eliminate the outlet. It'll save you a lot of money.