wiring size + capacity question

T

TroubleGuy

• Nov 17, 2009

• #1

can a 12 gauge wire (extension cord with ends cut off) be safely used for handling my 240v equipment? or should i get some 10 gauge wire and use it?

i'm asking because this chart says 12 is for 120v and i don't need to start a house fire.

 

S

sparkjumper

• Nov 17, 2009

• #2

Yes you can use 12 wire on a 240V circuit its the amperes that are going to decrease with a higher voltage like 240V.Most of the wire we will be working with is rated at 600V anyway but there are a few exceptions.The wire size is determined by amperage draw regardless if its 120 or 240V and amperage draw is basically halved when powering a device at 240 as opposed to 120V

 

T

TroubleGuy

• Nov 17, 2009

• #3

thanks man. whats the max amperage draw going to be at 240v on the #12?

i was under the impression amperage draw was smaller with 240v equipment...

 

T

TroubleGuy

• Nov 17, 2009

• #4

so you have the "what" part of my problem this is the exact cord we the ends off to use for my wiring.

http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053


don't know if that helps. the box says it's rated for 15 amps & 125v, insulated for 300v. not quite sure what that last part means, i really need to expand my knowledge in this area.

 

madpenguin

Member

• Nov 17, 2009

• #5

That chart is misleading with regards to voltage. #14 romex can be used for 240v.

Check this thread out if you haven't already. It's right by yours so you should have read it already, and if you did, then things should be clearer for you as far as what wire type to use.

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=145476

 

B

ben ttech

Active member

• Nov 21, 2009

• #6

there are no answer to the question without the length of the wire being included.

a given amperage on a wire experiences a drop in voltage as a function of the distance it runs...


google "wire size calculators" when trying to determine what gauge of conductor you need to run...

 

T

TroubleGuy

• Nov 22, 2009

• #7

doesn't matter, electrical work is all done, had a buddy's electrician friend come do it. he did it for my last one too, i trust his work.

thanks for the tips.

 

S

sparkjumper

• Nov 22, 2009

• #8

Just for information if the run is over 100 ft. you should upsize 1 wire size for voltage drop.Anything under 100 ft and you're cool