Electrician help
#1
12-29-16, 08:26 PM
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Electrician help
So I needed to wire a 240 v panel. I will be drawing a constant 25 amps. Is 10 gauge too small or is it fine? I used the 10-2 and a 30 amp breaker. I know it's "rated" for up to 30 on both but I feel like a constant 24 hours a day draw that I may have to go bigger on the wire and/or breaker. Just want to be sure. Thanks.
#2
12-29-16, 08:31 PM
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Welcome to the forums.
25 amps constant draw technically exceeds the 80% rating of a 30 amp breaker.
25 amps constant draw technically exceeds the 80% rating of a 30 amp breaker.
#3
12-29-16, 08:32 PM
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Welcome to the forums.
A continuous draw should be no more than 80% of the ampacity of the circuit.
In the case of a 30A circuit...... that would be 24A.
What is the load ? Inductive ? Resistive ?
A continuous draw should be no more than 80% of the ampacity of the circuit.
In the case of a 30A circuit...... that would be 24A.
What is the load ? Inductive ? Resistive ?
#6
12-29-16, 10:15 PM
Group Moderator
Inductive would be like ballast lighting or motor load.
Resistive is water heating, electric heat or incandescent.
It looks like to be code compliant you'll need to use #8 wiring. The breaker is ok.
Resistive is water heating, electric heat or incandescent.
It looks like to be code compliant you'll need to use #8 wiring. The breaker is ok.
#7
12-29-16, 10:30 PM
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Then yes inductive. Is it not safe to run as is or is it just "code" that I should rewire with 8 gauge? Can I use 8-2 Romex since it's just two hots and a ground or should I us 8-3 and not use the neutral? Thanks I really appreciate it electric isn't my specialty.
#8
12-30-16, 03:43 AM
Since we don't really know what is at the other end of the cable we can't be sure if you need the other wire or not. How will it be connected? Plug? Hardwire? Can you tell us exactly what it is that you are connecting?
#9
12-30-16, 05:10 AM
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Is it not safe to run as is or is it just "code" that I should rewire with 8 gauge?
You can use 8/2 NM-b cable (Romex) if the cable will be protected, and if your equipment only requires 240 volts. If it reads 120/240 on the nameplate then is will require a neutral.
You have been very vague on what you are installing. It would be helpful if we know what you are hooking up as there may be special NEC rules that apply.
#10
12-30-16, 06:58 AM
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My apologies, it's lighting. It is strictly 240v no 120 at all. Also what do you mean if the cable is protected?
#13
12-30-16, 08:22 AM
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Also what do you mean if the cable is protected?
Is this all inside a building or will it be outside?
#14
12-30-16, 08:34 AM
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It's all indoors was going to run it up the stone about a foot into rafters for about 20 feet then down the wall about 3 feet. kind of like a basement.
#15
12-30-16, 04:17 PM
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That would not be considered protected, you would need to put it in raceway or something on the walls. Not enough info on the rafters but that may be ok.
