Questions tagged [gauge]
For questions dealing with devices or instruments used to measure things.
46
questions
1
vote
1
answer
88
views
Different wire types on same breaker screw
I am researching adding a whole house surge protector to my load center. Specifically I am looking at a Siemens FS140, which requires a 20amp 2 pole breaker.
I do not have any empty spots to add ...
- 201
0
votes
3
answers
198
views
What is the smallest Awg stranded wire that can be used in a house on 20amp breaker?
Smallest stranded wire that can be used with 20 Amp breakers
1
vote
2
answers
305
views
Is the 18 gauge wire going into my ceiling fan safe to wire on a 15 amp circuit?
I have a ceiling fan w/light that has a remote control. I want to remove the remote control receiver and just wire the fan straight through to two wall switches. I know how do do this, however I ...
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
187
views
Will 6-gauge THWN work in my 60-foot run?
I will be installing a 48-amp Emporia car charger outside. It will be connected to a 60-amp breaker. Half of the 60-foot wire run will be along the edge of the ceiling in my basement, and the other ...
0
votes
3
answers
80
views
Stabdar led light fixture that has 14 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit? [duplicate]
Can I install an led light fixture that has 14 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit?
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
131
views
Can different wire gauges be combined in same box?
Wiring 3 gang switch, have 4 cables coming into box. (2) 14/3 cables coming from 3 way “primary” switch that also feeds to two different light fixtures. Also have a 12/2 cable from different circuit ...
- 11
-2
votes
3
answers
260
views
Temp rating and insulation type of old nm sheathed cable
A family vacation home that we had someone build back in 1965 has a 200 amp service panel. A few of the breakers in my opinion are oddly sized for the loads that're on those dedicated ckts.
The hot ...
- 51
0
votes
2
answers
461
views
Is it OK to mix wire gauges when trying to reduce voltage drop over long lines?
I'm planning out an off-grid electrical system in which I'll have electricity going to an outbuilding from the inverter. The total distance one-way is around 200 feet.
I'm concerned about voltage drop....
0
votes
2
answers
854
views
How to install a 50/30/20(100amp) RV sub panel [closed]
Adding a 100amp RV sub panel outside of garage wall opposite 200amp main panel on other side of wall. 50/30/20 setup inside sub panel. What type/size wire is needed to feed it? 50amp breaker in main ...
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
44
views
addressing 20 amp circuit with 14 gauge wiring [duplicate]
I’m replacing an outlet on a 20 amp circuit with a GFCI, and I noticed the wiring is 14 gauge. This is in a house built in 1964. I know this generally isn’t safe and have read a few other questions on ...
- 105
1
vote
1
answer
783
views
Splicing 6 gauge to 8 gauge
I have an old house I'm renovating, getting rid of the paper wires and redoing the runs to have a nice exposed joists type basement.
The panel was replaced a couple years ago and the electrician at ...
- 131
0
votes
0
answers
155
views
Increase pressure on. Vitodens 200w boiler
I have a vitodens 200-w boiler with 4 zones. The pressure gauge reads 0 so no heat. I can hear water flowing through the pipes.
How do I increase the pressure? Or do I need to call a repair company?
I ...
- 1
3
votes
1
answer
770
views
If a 12 gauge, 50 foot long copper wire can support 20 amps why is 6 gauge cable so much thicker
If a 12 gauge, 50 foot long copper wire can support 20 amps, why is the amount of wire in 6 gauge cable so much thicker and only rated to support 55 amps if your looking at 50 feet? Wouldn’t a ...
- 31
1
vote
1
answer
326
views
400amp main pannel w/ 2x200amp circuits. What size/type of wire is required to run 200amps from main panel to another sub panel ~100ft away
This is the scenario:
I have 400amp main service to my meter.
I have a 400amp main panel that has 2x200amp circuits. The panel is grounded with bare copper wire 6ft apart with appropriate gauge wire (...
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
271
views
14 gauge pigtail on dimmer switch on 20 amp circuit?
I am replacing a single pole on/off light switch with a dimmer switch. The switch is on a 20 amp circuit. I have 14 gauge wire on hand. Can I use 14 gauge pigtails to connect the switch? Or do I need ...
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
323
views
Can #2 wire be used for a 100’ away sub panel
I want to add a sub panel 100’ from my main 110 panel to power my new addition to my house. Question can I use a #2 wire on a 80amp breaker to my sub panel and have the wire in place for upgrade later ...
Brien Woolf
-1
votes
1
answer
420
views
2
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Can I splice #12 aluminum with #14 copper on 15 amp breaker?
I am renovating the 2nd floor of my 1970's home. I decided to change from 1 switched outlet with a lamp in each room to the switch controlling 4-6 LEDs.
Breaker Box: Dual Pole 15 Amp Breaker
Supply ...
- 21
1
vote
2
answers
838
views
Is it possible to calculate water pressure by measuring the time it takes to fill a bucket with water?
We suspect that there is too much pressure in the water system of a friend's house.
I checked the pressure regulator, the pressure gauge shows more than 4 bar (which AFAIK is way too much). However, ...
- 113
0
votes
1
answer
242
views
Adding 12 gauge wire to 14 gauge circuit
I am converting an existing single switched light/fan combo to separate switches for each function. There is already a light/fan combo on the circuit, wired with 14/2 Romex. Power comes in at the ...
- 25
3
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Splicing 8 gauge wire to a 6 gauge?
From the hot tub I have 4 6 Gauge insulated wires leading 20 ft to a sub panel with a 2 pole 50 amp gfci. I then have indoors into the basement a 6/3 w ground leading 30 ft to a junction box. The ...
- 31
-1
votes
2
answers
86
views
Maximum amperage as a function of Number of conductors
When you push too much amperage through a wire, the wire overheats and melts the insulation. 12/2 romex and 12/3 romex both use 12 gauge wire and are both rated at 20 amps (600V). When used with a 3-...
5
votes
6
answers
8k
views
What gauge wire for long distance
I am trying to wire an outbuilding with the equivalent of a 15-A circuit from 300-400 ft (90 - 120 m) away.
What gauge wire do I need? Also, does the full length need to be a constant gauge or can the ...
- 51
4
votes
3
answers
671
views
Gauge, amperage, and breaker box
I’m working on upgrading my shed in the backyard and I have some questions about the electrical wiring in the building.
The current state of the wiring in there is just sad. I have a main wire coming ...
- 164
1
vote
1
answer
228
views
How far should the well for a temperature gauge extend into a 3/4" pipe?
I have a 1/2" well insert for a temperature gauge. I'm connecting it to a 3/4" pipe thought a tee fitting. I've noticed that when it's inserted the well obstructs quite a bit of the inside ...
- 241
2
votes
1
answer
3k
views
two appliances on one 220 breaker?
I am trying to install a dryer at the far end of a large house. There is already a 220 circuit on a designated circuit running back there to operate a hot tub. The breaker box is full so no room to ...
3
votes
1
answer
100
views
Does my wiring plan sound OK?
I bought a house built in '69 in northern VA a few months ago. Having mapped out the upstairs circuits, I've discovered that the whole place is a wiring mess. I am remodeling each room and bathroom ...
- 131
0
votes
1
answer
9k
views
What type and gauge ground wire do I need when using 1/0 hot and neutral wires
I have a 260 ft run from my main 225A panel to a 100A subpanel in a steel shop out in my yard. I have a #4 bare copper wire grounded to the rebar in the foundation of the shop. Not knowing what I ...
- 1
0
votes
2
answers
428
views
QT/tandem breaker wire gauge
Can I use a 14-3 Romex for two different electrical circuits on a 15A QT/tandem breaker? Or should I use one 14-2 for each?
My mistake, apologize.
Post edited: the QT breaker is a space saver. My ...
- 117
2
votes
3
answers
10k
views
EMT Conduit Capacity with Mixed Gauge
I want to pull two circuits through 1/2" EMT. Three of the wires would be 12AWG and other three 10AWG. I've found a couple of tables that say I can run 5 10AWG or 9 12AWG. Is my mixed gauge set safe?
...
- 157
1
vote
1
answer
16k
views
What Wire Should be Used for a 40A 240V Circuit?
Given a 240V 40A circuit is there an official wire type that should be used? I assume there is a building code standard for this somewhere, but I don't really know where to look. I'd love if I could ...
- 123
3
votes
1
answer
773
views
Have Shed/Man Cave & Need Unground Power Advice
I have a shed which is a little less than 100 feet from my home breaker box. I currently am poor-manning it running a 100 foot extension cord out there. I have already purchased a branch electrical ...
- 225
0
votes
2
answers
700
views
Can an 8 gauge wire melt due to arcing on a 35 amp breaker
I recently was having some HVAC issues with a heat pump blower motor not running. Being comfortable using a multimeter, I opened up the panel to the furnace and was checking voltages on the capacitor ...
2
votes
3
answers
26k
views
Wire nut several wires together
I need a wire nut large enough so that I can bundle seven 14 gauge neutral wires together. I am trying to splice it so I can connect it to my new smart wifi leviton light switch. I don't know which ...
- 81
0
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Replacing pressure gauge on water holding tank
The water coming in from the well is supplied by thick rubber type pipe cut and angled with metal bands. There is no cut off valve to the water holding tank.
I need to replace the pressure gauge (...
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Change my 220v 50 amp breaker to 70 amp on existing wiring to pool panel
Currently I have a 50 amp breaker (220v) running to my pool panel. My pool panel has two 110v outlets and a 20 amp (220v) to run my pool pump. I want to add an electric pool heater which will be a 40-...
- 3
2
votes
2
answers
120
views
Main service panel wiring
I'm installing a new dedicated 20 amp circuit for an existing bathroom (new fixture). NEC recommends 12 AWG wiring. But ALL the wires (regardless of amperage) in the main service panel are a much ...
2
votes
1
answer
152
views
Dedicated wiring to luminaire - what's the minimum gauge
I am wiring a luminaire fixture through a short dedicated 1/2" EMT conduit (a couple of feet). The maximum rating on the luminaire is 100W, although I expect to use much lower wattage. What is the ...
- 21
0
votes
1
answer
97
views
What type and gauge of wire is this?
The wire in question is that top wire. The black one with the red stripe.
- 61
1
vote
0
answers
104
views
What gauge wire is this, and how can I tell?
Can someone tell me how to determine the gauge of this wire (circled in red), or just what gauge it is?
1
vote
1
answer
3k
views
Could I use this Speaker Wire for my thermostat?
I had this wire left over and thought I might as well use it if I can. I think it will work but I just wanted to make sure! So can I use this speaker wire for the Rc and C terminals on my thermostat? ...
- 11
1
vote
5
answers
29k
views
What gauge extension cord should I use for dehumidifier in basement?
I run a Frigidaire 50-pint dehumidifier in my basement, which I am currently emptying the bucket once/twice every day since the power outlet is far away from the drain hole in the basement, and the ...
- 125
2
votes
1
answer
409
views
Use of 8AWG Cu in 1"ID grey PVC buried for 120' on 50 amp circuit
A 50amp 240volt breaker in an outside panel that also feeds 200amps to the house goes to a sub-panel 120' of run away in a shed using 8-3 interior clad cable (Romex? NM? whatever the term) inside of 1"...
- 21
2
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Maximum breaker on NMD7 8/3 wire?
My mother in law recently replaced her 4 burner Frigidaire range and is often popping her breaker when she is cooking for a large party - ie 4 burners going and oven.
I checked the specs for the ...
- 123
0
votes
1
answer
932
views
Using a off-the-shelf pressure gauge to measure water pressure
I want to measure water pressure around my house, I can't find any pressure gauges made for that, so I will make do.
I've found some that are for Acetylene in the right range, but they have "use no ...
- 2,325
2
votes
2
answers
33k
views
Can I use a gauge designed for measuring air pressure to measure water pressure?
Looking around at the local home improvement center for a water pressure gauge, and all they seem to have is a gauge with 3/4" FGHT (Female Garden Hose Thread). Of course I could get a bunch of ...
- 132k