Quick electrical question about cable length

[Local420]

What is the maximum cable length of 6-3 running at 240v?

If I install a sub-panel, will I be able to go a longer distance?

Main panel---6-3 w/ gnd---sub-panel------------timing board

Ideally I would like this:

Main Panel ----6-3 w/gnd------timing board

I'm just not sure if the distance between the Main panel and my timing board is too much and will suffer a drop in voltage.

I hope I explained this well enough.

Thanks in advance for the help everyone

 

[Guest]

Thats going to depend on total load and length of run,your question cant be answered the way its asked.You can do a 300 ft run of 6/3 if you like,it would probably be about correct to power a 30A subpanel.See where I'm coming from.A general rule of thumb in the field is to upsize 1 wire size per 100 ft.This of course is affected by load and voltage applied,but if it aint over 100 ft,I wouldn't worry about it.Especially at 240V.

 

[Guest]

Lets see if we can bring this puppy up top like someone really did give a fuck and answer the guys question.If I asked that question this morning and came back this evening to zero responses and my thread near the bottom of the page,I'd think nobody like me and probably start crying.EDIT Hey it woiking!

 

[1hitWONDER]

i came across this little DIY box and had a similar question to "how long can the cord be".

it cost $80 to build and lets you run 4x600 and use a $10 timer to control light cycles

http://www.hydroponics.net/learn/grow-light-controller.asp

 

[Guest]

I once ran a 60 ft leanght of 6-3 and ran 6 1000 watters, pumps and fans off that subpanel. I cant remember what 6-3 is rated for but I believe its 50 amps. If you run your lights on 240 it can easily handle that. 220 splits the load over 2 wires. If you were going to run 110 lights then you would need to look at heavier wire.

BUT, thats just my opinion, I may be wrong!

It would be helpful to know what the sub panel would be running.

 

[Local420]

sorry for taking a bit to respond, work has me going non-stop.

This circuit would be powering no more than 5000w (made up of mostly 600w HPS and possibly one or two 400w HPS or MH lights, and maybe a fan or two.) I'm starting out with 4 600w HPS and 2 fans. I was planning on running the other odd and ends (ie. air pumps, air conditioner, etc...) from the other circuits in the house, as I've already mapped what circuit goes to what outlets and lights.

My main concern is I would need to add an additional 20 or so feet to this 50amp 240v circuit, as this circuit is originally for a range with a 3-prong 240v plug.

I'm not sure if a run of no more than 90' of 6-3 would suffer any voltage drop.

I hope this helps clear up any of my confusion from my first post.

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[Guest]

you will be fine with that on 6-3

 

[Local420]

thanks!

:joint