wire size

[steam maker]

so the electrician came today and wired up ro room. my problem is the dealer gave me a 50 amp plug and said run #6 wire, electrician said #8 is plenty and thats what he ran. will it be ok or do i have to scrap it and put in #6:confused:

[Rossell's Sugar Camp]

You will be fine. Look at this link


http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

[Rossell's Sugar Camp]

#8 wire can carry 73 amps

[steam maker]

thanks ill sleep easier tonite, he did such a nice job im glad i wont have to rip it out...... can almost hear that 600 gal per hour purring now :D

[firetech]

There are a few more things to consider when running an electrical circiut than just wire size. What type of wire is being used? There are temp ratings on the insulation of the wire and of the terminals it's a attached to. Also run time any wire running contiuous for more than 3 hours needs to be derated by 20% of rated value. Motor loads are not the same as the residental ratings in the code NFPA 70. But a #6 copper has 76 amp rating using a 105dgC wire. That is not a normal wire type at most supply houses. But back to your RO if the amp draw is higher than 30 amps they are required to go to the next nominal size, 50 amps for the plug. If your elctrician ran pipe and wire using THHN stranded it is good for 55 amps 90 dg C but the breaker that he installed is only rated for 50 amps because the termianal is rated for 75dg C if he used Romex, NM or UF cable they are only good for 40amps and derated would only be good for 32 amps. Would I fret over this type of installation? Only if it was not in pipe with THHN, but do check your panel/ breaker screws once a year,do'nt over tighten them also watch the wire for any discoloration or cracking in the insualtion. The worst enemy to an elctrical circuit is heat and time. Hope this helps

[green4310]

The way I learned it is that the (continuous draw)amperage doubles for every two wire sizes.
ie..#14=15,#12=20,#10=30,#8=40,#6=60,#4=80...ect

[3rdgen.maple]

Did he run copper or aluminum?

[802maple]

After all of this,what is the amps required to run your RO?

[powerdub]

Who has the license, the dealer or the electician? Dealers will go by manufacturers specs that cover their *** but will always include compliance with local code, if you have a good electrician trust him.