Intalling 50Amp breakers and running cable...

[BowlPacks]

So I need to run 50AMPS to the basement. If I understand correctly all I need to do is wire a double pole 50 amp breaker into the box, pop it in, run some 6/3 (240v) to my location and thats that.
Is it really this easy? Im no electrician, but i've built a couple 30AMP boxes for myself and friends. So i feel pretty comfortable doing this. However, I want to make sure everything looks up to code when the meter reader comes by. Will, the conduit running inside have room for such a big cable? Also how long can i run the 6/3 without experiencing significant voltage drop?
What i need is pics, if anyone can provide some i will be forever in debt.
-BowlPacks

 

[MTF-Sandman]

Basically, yeah it's that easy. If you're only going to run 220v/240v stuff off it, you don't even need the 3 conductor wire...the 6/2 will do it.

As far as voltage drop, 6 gauge wire is rated for like 60a max - so 100' run of it shouldn't cause any noticable voltage drop.

What size conduit you planning on running for the 6 gauge? I wanna say you need 3/4" to meet code, but I'm not an electrician...

 

[BowlPacks]

When it comes to conduit size i have no idea. I think 3/4in would do it. How can I use 6/2 for 240v? I need two hots a neutral and a ground right? If i can keep from drilling holes in the side of the house i would prefer to do so...
MTF- I've followed your threads for a long time, thanks for the post!!

 

[MTF-Sandman]

On a 240v circuit (if there's not any 120v devices) each leg will have a balanced load on it and no power will be returned on the common - so there's no need for it. That's why alot of 240v devices plug into 3 prong outlets safely.

If you're planning on running a subpanel with 120v devices, the 6/3 is the only way to go tho...

If you can safely post up some pics of the main panel and give some details about the wall and stuff, I'll be happy to try to help ya find the easiest way to run your circuit.

 

[Ganoderma]

if you wont it to be to be to code you wont to run with 6/3, 6/2 will not meet the current code. (6/3-has 4 wires, 6/2-has three wires)

the size of conduit that you'd need will vary on what kind of wire that you use,
if using,
THHN,THWN,THWN-2, you'll need atleast 3/4" EMT(conduit)
or if using
TW,THHW,THW-2, you'll need atleast 1" EMT (these numbers are based on the use of 6/3)
these are the max number you can fit in the EMT, these are single wires that are bunched together that are not incased in an outer sheathing like romex that hold all of the wires together

if you live in/grow in a house most likely you will not have EMT in the house, but doesn't mean you don't have them in your house/home.

 

[Ganoderma]

When it comes to conduit size i have no idea. I think 3/4in would do it. How can I use 6/2 for 240v? I need two hots a neutral and a ground right? If i can keep from drilling holes in the side of the house i would prefer to do so...
MTF- I've followed your threads for a long time, thanks for the post!!

They used to wire 240v with 6/2, in which you have two hots and a neutral/or ground-- which is a cheap short cut that some poeple still use to save money to avoid getting the 6/3 which will cost a little more.

The electrical code has sence been changed on this and now you have to use 6/3, which will give you two hots, a neutral, and a ground wire.

 

[MTF-Sandman]

The electrical code has sence been changed on this and now you have to use 6/3, which will give you two hots, a neutral, and a ground wire.

You sure? I wired in several 240v circuits in my house with 2 conductor wire and the inspector happily passed it (based on '02 NEC) since it was for 240v only devices...or is it possibly dictated by the intended use/location of the circuit?

 

[betterboy]

Always remember , safty first! even dedicated 220V devices require a ground. Art.250 NEC.
How far do ya intend to run this circuit? for the most part if your just running 75-100' their's no problem, If your going to run this circuit to a out building a couple hundred feet away then ya need to increase the wire size, that would possiblly change the insulation type ya would use depending on the application.
Is this going to be a sub pannel to feed 120 and 240 circuits? Some more info would be needed to help ya install this project safely

 

[Guest]

I dont do resi work but most electricians will run a 6/3 w/g the older style dryer receptacles were 3 wire and didnt utilize a neutral,the newer style is 4 wire and needs a neutral.If I were wiring a dryewr receptacle with 3 slots,I'd run the neutral wire anyway and cap it off in case they ever buy a dryer with a 4 wire receptacle.It is code too good eye

 

[BowlPacks]

ballastman / skeleballast / skeletor??!! I remember you from og YEARS ago! I was igrowdrugs... anyhow...
I only need to run 50ft max, so I'll be ok with 6 right? What im worried about is getting the 6/3 into the building. Im just running from the box, which is outside, down to the basement. I was planning to just install a range outlet and plug in a typical 50amp timerboard with room for 8k @240 plus 10amps at 120. Is there an upside to hardwiring straight into something like a cap-8 or similar?