[Shop-talk] Gauge of wire

[Mark Andy]

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