http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x8387586This is the Kali primitive, from down there in southern Texas, not the 0bamaite cali primitive, the bitter old lady from Vermont:
Kali (1000+ posts) Tue Jan-06-09 03:40 PM
Original message
Electric code type question
Isn't there some kind of rule about gauge of wire to distance from breaker box ratios?
I know at one point we bought this huge wire to run a 100 foot line for a 240 pump and now we are going to put a (I don't know the proper terminology) "sub-box" with a new gfci breaker in it closer to the (its a hot tub, ok?) and I was trying to figure out what kind of wire to use for the shorter distance from this box to the control center for the pump and heater. It will now be less than 20 feet. That heavy stuff should still work I presume, but man it was a bitch to handle, strip, bend, and connect. Hate to have to do it three times again instead of just once.
Warpy (1000+ posts) Tue Jan-06-09 04:15 PM
Response to Original message
4. The gauge of wiring depends on the amount of current you're going to pass through it. Consult your local codes to find out what you need to use.
Count yourself lucky you're not supplying power to the stage for a rock concert.
Kali (1000+ posts) Tue Jan-06-09 04:52 PM
Response to Reply #4
5. ...
You know, electricity is one of those places where I just hit a wall. Calculus was like that. I can fix most anything with the proper instructions, but truthfully when it starts going into watts, and hertz, volts, resistance and so forth I just shut down. It is another (incomprehensible) language to me. Just tell me what to do and where to put it, no problem but the rest is better left to either a pro or a better amateur than me!
Warpy (1000+ posts) Tue Jan-06-09 05:06 PM
Response to Reply #5
6. All you have to do is find out the gauge from the list in the electrical code, buy the wire and plug it in.
I don't mind wiring. At least when you cut the juice off, it's off, with nothing left in it to drip into your shoes.
