Why Are GROUNDING Conductors Smaller Than GROUNDED Conductors???

No video

Why Are GROUNDING Conductors Smaller Than GROUNDED Conductors???

Рет қаралды 40,327

Күн бұрын

The conductors we use as electricians come in many different sizes, colors, and compositions of the metallic portion as well as the insulation portion. Most of us electricians know that the Size of the conductors we use are based upon the ampacity they will be carrying (for the most part anyway). So why then, are the “Grounding” conductors for any particular installation smaller than the “Grounded conductors”? In the latest episode of Electrician U, Dustin dives into this question from one of our followers.
[0:20] - Intro
[0:34] - Article 100
[2:00] - Neutral examples
[5:30] - Article 250.122
[7:30] - 220.61 Feeder or service neutral
[8:30] - Outro
🤘⚡️MEMBERSHIP⚡️🤘
JOIN ELECTRICIAN U - become a member and get:
FREE Continuing Education every year
FREE Practice Exams
FREE Monthly Video Courses
FREE Monthly Educational Newsletter
Premium Members-Only Content
Private Discord Channel
Monthly Members-Only Discord Chats
Sign up here --- www.electricia...
🎧🎹MUSIC AND VIDEO:🎹🎧
/ descantmv
🎬✍️ART AND ILLUSTRATION:✍️🎬
www.daverussoa...
Let’s define the two different conductors first. Article 100 of the NEC defines the Grounded conductor (neutral) as a system or circuit conductor that is INTENTIONALLY grounded. An Equipment Grounding Conductor is a conductive path(s) that is part of an effective ground fault current path that connects normally non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment together and to the system grounded (neutral) conductor or to the grounding electrode conductor or both. Now, the neutral conductor is designed to be a current-carrying conductor under normal circumstances, whereas the grounding conductor is not meant to carry current under normal conditions.
If an electrical system is Perfectly balanced, which almost every single system is not PERFECTLY balanced, the neutral conductors MAY not have much (or any) current on it. The neutral conductor is designed to carry the imbalance of current on a circuit all the time, so it must be sized like it would be carrying current. There are some instances where you can have a reduced neutral size (for instance a dwelling unit) and your grounded conductor can actually be smaller than your ungrounded (hot or phase) conductors. There are also situations where you may have an excess of three phase nonlinear loads where you must Increase the size of your neutral, and the Grounded conductor is actually LARGER than its associated Ungrounded (hot) conductors.
So, on to the Grounding conductor. This conductor is not meant to carry current on it under normal circumstances. Only if something goes wrong, and only for long enough for the circuit to be completed and the breaker to trip. This is the reason that the grounding conductor can be smaller than the grounded conductor of a system. So only under fault conditions, should the grounding conductor have current on it. And, by a small amount of time, I mean fractions of seconds! Just long enough for the circuit loop to be completed (as electrical circuits must be to work!), for the breaker or fuse to recognize that there is far more amperage on the circuit than it is designed to carry, and to trip the breaker (or blow the fuse) and stop current from flowing.
This brings up another potential question. If it is only meant to carry current under fault conditions and only for a split second, then why are there any size restrictions at all for the grounding conductors? The longer the run, the longer it is going to take for the current to travel back to its source. So, the potential current that may be required to travel on the grounding conductor COULD be on there long enough to melt insulation (or even the metal conductor portion), therefore, we have to size it to be able to carry that offensive current for long enough and not be adversely affected.
Article 250 of the NEC concerns Grounding and Bonding and if you have questions about the installation you are working on, is the most likely place you will start your research. Table 250.66 covers sizing of the grounding electrode conductor (ground wire) for alternating current systems. Article 250.102 (C)(1) covers sizing of the Grounded Conductor (along with several bonding
#electrician #electrical #electricity

Пікірлер: 115

@fusion772 2 жыл бұрын

Ungrounded = hot Grounded = neutral/identified Grounding = bond

@larrytinnin3357 Жыл бұрын

So an ungrounded conductor is literally just a hot leg? I am not an electrician, just skimming through the NEC because I am curious to when a whole panel surge protector is required? Trying to do my due diligence but little confused lol

@fusion772 Жыл бұрын

@@larrytinnin3357 I would suggest starting by really trying to understand the difference between a bond, a neutral and a hot. Then go back to my post for a reference of the official names of those things. Hopefully that helps

@edilsonserafim4784 Жыл бұрын

I am a HVAC technician and i am learning so much from this Chanel and electricians by the end the day i feel more than an HVAC tech because i have learn so much on the electrical side deep information that makes me extra smart thank you very much for all your work

@SirBrass 2 жыл бұрын

I'm an electrical engineer (by degree), and this is much appreciated. Terms are so similar and talking about such similar things as electricians but still worlds apart in communication. I appreciate the explanation.

@raymond3722 2 жыл бұрын

Each episode just wet my appetite, wanting more and more..thanks D you expanding my learning capacity and others.

@aaronroutt2190 2 жыл бұрын

*whet. Agreed.

@lawrencepevitts2434 2 жыл бұрын

You are an excellent instructor. I wish the instructors I had were as good as you are. You make learning fun & interesting. Do you get an NEC every year?

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

NEC comes out every three years. Latest published book is 2020.

@lennycampagna734 3 ай бұрын

I love how you talked about "in a perfect world where everything's balanced which never happens" when I used to work in concert production doing electrical work we ran into both instances of needing a neutral to be a true current carrying conductor so much so that in some extreme applications for massive festivals w/ thousands of moving lights containing discharge lamps, 2x 4/0 neutrals would be run....and in other instances you'd get the phases balanced so perfectly that you'd measure 0 on the neutral 😂......momentarily that is

@ScrewThisGlueThat 2 жыл бұрын

Great Video... I am so thrilled every time you release another. While this time I already knew this information, it was great to hear you confirm it.

@eligornish5811 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Dustin. I have never heard a good explanation on derating. I would love to hear you do a video on this topic. You explain everything so well. TY

@tiggeroush 2 жыл бұрын

There are lots of derating throughout the NEC, What did you have in mind?

@eligornish5811 Жыл бұрын

@@tiggeroush I'm just seeing this. Conductors per conduit. I'm totally lost on what is being derated. And how to lower that classification. I'm sure DS has a great way to explain and deliver this. TY

@feldmanjared 2 жыл бұрын

Could you possibly talk about receptacles that are “self-grounding when properly installed in a metal electrical box”? Must remove the nylon washer? do you need an all metal cover plate? Should I still use a pigtail to the back of the box?

@SirBrass 2 жыл бұрын

That means the metal yoke is connected to outlet ground, so when connected to a metal junction box that has been bonded to ground, the outlet is now grounded as well. Still run a ground wire to the green screw, though. Even though the screws holding the outlet to the box are not technically grounding screws, they can be if the physical connection loosens, and then your screws become grounding screws, which by code they cannot be (ground screws cannot have any other purpose than to bond to ground. They can't be used to hold stuff together as well). So, still connect ground to the outlet ground screw. It's just a good idea even if you don't technically need to do it. Also, what if the metal junction box wasn't properly bonded to ground and you're relying on the junction box ground to bond your outlet to ground, and then a ground fault develops? No breaker trip and now something that shouldn't be is going to be energized. If that outlet had been bonded to ground independently, the fault would've tripped the breaker. But because the box wasn't properly grounded, it's not. Don't rely on something else being properly bonded outside the service panel.

@bmor9445 2 жыл бұрын

Wish my instructor was straight forward and excited to teach like you. Have my grounding and bonding test tomorrow !

@Layarion 2 жыл бұрын

to give the instructor a tiny bit of credit, it's easier to teach one video that you can make to perfection and drop when you're done - vs dong the same class over and over. however that doesn't excuse the instructor, because they too could just make their own video.

@electricalron 2 жыл бұрын

Always a good subject to be discussing and learning. Grounding and bonding and current carrying conductors are what make electricians the pros that they are.

@benjaminsmith4054 Жыл бұрын

Man being a first year rezzi and in my first month, this video helped so much with the difference between a grounding and a grounded.

@ottoroth3066 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate every video you produce.... you're young and hope you will profit in this Industry. I started out in the 70's, and when the bottom fell out in the IBEW local 212, I had to look for other work because sitting in a Union hall just waiting to be called was not for me...so I answered an ad for a Deputy Sheriff and was hired that afternoon. So being away from anything electric for 27 years, took me a while to get back into it and yes, I forgot a lot. Now I am back into it, things have rapidly fallen in place, now ready to retire fully and enjoy farming. But I was going to say about Grounding and Equipment Grounding and sizes of wire...some electrical inspectors are picky, and I have been inspected by electrical inspectors who worked in this field for years and are not also building inspectors, so my point on grounding conductors, listen to what and how the inspector does their inspections....there is a difference.

@davidjackson4112 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent analogy. Thanks! Bought from your website 1-7 book.

@Eddy63 2 жыл бұрын

A little code book reviewing ... I like it ... Thx for posting ...

@PacRimElectric 2 жыл бұрын

Noice another awesome video. Great work

@BeefStew4242 2 жыл бұрын

Would love to see a video of the vintage equipment behind you in your studio and the story of how you got it all! Great video keep up the good work!

@Michaelmuq Жыл бұрын

You're a great teacher.

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

Dustin, Couple issues. During a ground fault, the current will not travel for a second. If it does, there is a problem. Fuses typically will blow in 1/4 cycle and breakers typically will trip in 3 cycles or less. One cycle is 1/60th of a second. So, equipment grounding conductors are sized to carry thousands of amperes for very short period of time. Remember that overcurrent protection is totally about protecting conductors. Grounding electrode conductors, you said were sized something to do with carrying fault current incorrectly. They are for surges and lightning strikes only. No additional current will go to earth during ground fault condition. The GEC has as much as it will ever get because of the ohms resistance of the system. Keep up the Great Videos!

@KevinBenecke 2 жыл бұрын

If the neutral and ground are bonded in the main service panel, how does the electric know which way to go? How does the electric traveling back on the neutral wire know to go out on the neutral wire and back to the pole and not out on the ground wire to the grounding rod because it could go both directions once back to the main service panel.

@jonwikan3986 7 ай бұрын

Still learning but....... I think when hot somehow makes contact with say a metal box, it energizes the box, which is hopefully grounded and heads back to the panel that way. Since you hot broke the circuit current can't return via the white. I suppose a nick in a black could theoretically return via white and the ground at the same time? Maybe an expert could address that one but I think ground would be the low resistance way for a short to return to the panel and trip the breaker.

@jrgenramos-chara7031 2 жыл бұрын

I salute you from Fort McMurray Alberta Canada 🇨🇦 🙌

@aaronw9035 2 жыл бұрын

In australia your neutral always has to match the size of your active. Earth can be smaller noted in wiring rules

@S_a_n22 2 жыл бұрын

I'll keep it simple, Love the content.

@brianohara5771 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Dustin, I'm looking to get a code book from Amazon, it matches the book you use often, but people are stating that it's missing pages and the tables are wrong. Could you provide me with the ISBN off yours so I know I'm grabbing the correct one? Love your content and looking forward to all your future videos!

@ElectricianU 2 жыл бұрын

You can get it directly from NFPA if you want to be sure it's complete and legitimate: www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70

@eduardomunoz430 2 жыл бұрын

@@ElectricianU Hey Dustin can you do a video in regards to a question a have it is do you need osha to be an electrician and do you need to get it before you become an apprentice/helper electrician? Would appreciate it thanks!

@tiggeroush 2 жыл бұрын

@@eduardomunoz430 If you are referring to OSHA certification like OSHA 10 or 30, that may be state and company based. North Carolina does not require a OSHA cert, but some factories in NC do require contractors to get their OSHA 10 or 30 cert before starting work there.

@eduardomunoz430 2 жыл бұрын

@@tiggeroush Ok thank you for being helpful.

@lloydmills9619 2 жыл бұрын

The Equipment Grounding Conductor may be smaller because of the amount of time they are designed to carry a load. Grounds aren't always sized by the breaker, thats wrong. A neutral won't shock you.

@carultch 2 жыл бұрын

The breaker size is the starting point for sizing the equipment grounding conductor. Other factors do govern as well, such as upsizing proportionally for voltage drop, but the short answer is that the breaker size tells you the minimum size for the EGC, for the simple situation.

@tedlahm5740 2 жыл бұрын

Lloyd Mills An open neutral shocks me every time.

@lloydmills9619 2 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah. Whats the potential between ground and ground that creates a shock hazard?

@lloydmills9619 2 жыл бұрын

No @@carultch . It doesn't.

@tedlahm5740 2 жыл бұрын

@@lloydmills9619 Kirchhoff’s voltage law for open circuit.

@djrobinson8859 2 жыл бұрын

You should come out with some EU hard hat stickers. Was looking in the merch and didn’t see any.

@ElectricianU 2 жыл бұрын

We send free stickers to anyone who signs up for a membership: electricianu.com/electrician-u-membership/

@jashanbrar8668 2 жыл бұрын

Dustin, can you make a video on testing range and dryer receptacles etc. PLEASE

@eddied4969 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for all your videos... i've learned a ton. Question. if i run 4 #6 wires to an outlet intended for a welding machine, how do i ground/bond the metal box? the pigtails tend to be a really small gauge like10 or 12. Do i insert them into the plug with the 6 gauge wire? or do i use a wirenut to connect them? and is it ok to have a 6 gauge equipment grounding cable and a smaller cable to the grounding nut?

@theseattlegreen1871 Жыл бұрын

You know what you really need to talk about? Hotspot hot tubs! This company are Supplying homeowners with a 100-amp subpanel with a 2 pole GFCI 50 amp circuit breaker. In their schematics they are calling for #8's! One person online tried to install #6's and when he got to the termination part in the control box in the hot tub they wouldn't fit!

@melvinreyes2919 2 жыл бұрын

wow you good at it

@ac777 Жыл бұрын

When running two 60 amp circuits in PVC conduit, how many grounding conductors are needed? For example, there are four 6 awg THHN stranded ungrounded conductors, can there be only one 10 awg THHN stranded grounding conductor and then fork it anywhere splicing is legal or are two needed?

@larrytinnin3357 Жыл бұрын

When are you required to have whole panel surge protection? I’m confused on this..

@heavyd9103 2 жыл бұрын

Hello love your channel, can you explain or go through what are Harmonics are?

@griffmustard 2 жыл бұрын

For Neutral sizing, I would also stress the Available Short Circuit Current. The Neutral has to be able to handle the massive amount of available SSC, to give the Protective Device the time it needs to open the circuit.

@JacobMcMarley 2 жыл бұрын

If there is a fault to neutral and it is larger than the properly sized EGC then the breaker should trip as intended, no? The reason we have a chart for the EGC (250.122 as mentioned) that is based on OCPD size, is to ensure low enough impedance that the OCPD does not become circumvented and allowed a fault condition to exist. If the EGC is not proportionally increased for voltage drop and the same rate as the ungrounded conductors, then it is possible to create this type of condition that prevents the breaker from being able to trip. But my head is in branch circuits here. If this is the grounded service conductor, then 250.102 is the proper chart used to ensure it will handle those massive fault currents, and this is also why this chart is based on total circular mils and not OCPD. Downstream of your main OCPD and branch OCPDs, the fault current while seemingly high is really not that massive in comparison. At least this is my understanding. Open discussions are always encouraged.

@SquirrelsForAll 2 жыл бұрын

Super helpful, as always! Hey Dustin, do you feel that aluminum service wire is comparable to copper or is copper honestly the best way to go for longevity and safety? This would be for a sub panel, ran through an attic which can, of course, here in So Cal can become a bit warm. Thank you!

@JacobMcMarley 2 жыл бұрын

Aluminum (Al) for feeders is safe if sized correctly, installed correctly, and the terminals are rated for Al. Sizing - Since terminals are only 75°C then you need to use the 75°C column on the Al side (right side), assuming your insulation is rated for either 75°C or 90°C. Using the wire ampacity chart for raceway, cable, earth at 86°F means you have to adjust for ambient temperatures using the corrections factors provided. If you have more than 3 current carrying conductors then you will have another chart with an additional de-rate factor to apply. Continuous use is another factor that could come into play depending on your situation. The specific article numbers have changed slightly from year to year but they are all in article 310 and if you don't know where to find them or how to properly apply them then you should consult a professional. Not trying to be a dick, but it can get tricky if you've never been taught how to properly adjust wire ampacities. But here is a tip, if the wire insulation is rated for 90°C, then you can apply your derate factors to that value, and as long as the adjusted value is still greater than the ampacity in the 75°C column, then that wire is still ok. Another secret for derating that might save you some time is that there really isn't any guidance for attic temps, at least from what I found. It's not just location but ventilation as well. In St. Louis, even a poorly ventilated attic shouldn't get over 140°F. So the correction factor for my attic temps is .71 if using a 90° insulation, or .58 if using 75°C insulation. But if you are using a jacketed cable then the chances are high that even though the inner wire insulations are 90°C, the outer jacket is most likely only rated for 60°C which means your derate factor for 132-140°F is unlisted because 60°C=140°F so you would already be at melting point if your attic got that hot. I realize I'm being conservative derating at those temps but let's say you think 123-131°F is conservative enough, well now you can use that 60°C cable but the derate factor is .41, so now you've lost almost 60% of the ampacity due to ambient temperature conditions. Installed correctly - Al wire must be coated with anti-oxidation compound as many people are aware, but what is commonly missed is that you must sand the stripped area with an emery cloth first to remove existing oxidation and then very quickly apply anti-ox. Pay attention to the manufactures torque specs. Some people say that if you torque it right the first time you don't have to come back for torque checks, but due to the high thermal expansion coefficient of Al I still have our maintenance team schedule torque checks 6 months to a year out, depending on wire size and environment. Basically, this just means it is going to try and move under the lug with temperature fluctuations more than Cu would. Properly rated terminals - If the terminals are not rated for Al or dual rated (Cu/Al) as most Al rated terminals are, then the care for eliminating oxidation is all for nothing since galvanic corrosion will set in, and the now highly resistive connection will lead to heat build-up followed by meltdown.

@barryomahony4983 2 жыл бұрын

As long as they're sized correctly, modem aluminum AA-8000 alloy conductors are fine. Unlike the old 1350 alloys used in the 1970's, these are safe, and "anti oxidation" paste is unnecessary. The one exception to that may be in oceanside locations; I know of some municipalities that disallow AL alloy service conductors because of corrosion of aluminum from the salt spray.

@SquirrelsForAll 2 жыл бұрын

@@JacobMcMarley , Thank you very much, this is very, very helpful! Thank you. As an old guy, I'm just so used to using copper, I need to open my horizon a bit more.

@SquirrelsForAll 2 жыл бұрын

@@barryomahony4983 Thank you so much. This is really helpful and I appreciate your input. I've always used copper, but funds are tight and it's surprising how many suppliers only carry aluminum, copper seems almost special order.

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

@@SquirrelsForAll Whether you are running Cu or Al, please be aware that ampacities in NEC 310.15(B)(16) table are for a certain ambient temperature. You must derate the conductors based on the increased temperature you are expecting. It may or may not make any difference in size. When de-rating, if the conductors are rated 90C then use the 90C column ampacity to start de-rating from. If only 75C then you must start at that ampacity. Hope this helps! Kevin

@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268 2 жыл бұрын

Could you explain how the earth ground is a conductor? Testing with ohm meter shows open.

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

Try a clamp on ammeter.

@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268 2 жыл бұрын

@@KevinCoop1 Could try a regular amp meter. Will update.

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

@@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268 Must be clamp on. Encloses around the conductor. Do not try the cheap multimeter to measure it. Probably will smoke it.

@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268 2 жыл бұрын

@@KevinCoop1 Ok, will work on getting clamp on meter for testing. Thanks!

@zaidusman3302 2 жыл бұрын

hey dustin u made a video about how you use the standard method and optional method for load calculations but you never actually explained how to calculate using either method can you make a video explaining how to make calculations using the 2 methods. thank you

@ghostdog662 2 жыл бұрын

You should do some tests to see how fast grounding conductors can react (throwing a toaster into a pooled gfci protected circuit for example)

@jkbrown5496 2 жыл бұрын

Millisecond stop watches are hard to find. But you can get a multifuction testers, such as Megger MFT1741 multifunction tester, to test the lines. Total loop impedance for instance to see if the impedance on the wire from end to end is low enough to generate the required current to trip the breaker.

@rangerbarreto4613 2 жыл бұрын

Can you talk about induction?

@JCVCIII 2 жыл бұрын

Hey dude, very curious about 250.104(B) and bonding gas piping. Specifically method (1) of using the EGC from the circuit that is likely to energize the piping system. Would this bond be made separately or does it rely on the connection of the piping to the metal chassis of the device/appliance being powered?

@JDSound180 2 жыл бұрын

Hey love your channel. Very educational! I have a 25 year old 100 amp service panel in my garage that is directly opposite of my power meter on the Wall. My panel is full and only has one position open. I want to upgrade to a 200 amp panel to add a circuit or two for outlets and a 50 amp welder outlet in the garage. What's the best way to upgrade and can I do the work myself and just have it inspected after. Also would I have to upgrade the breakers in the panel or can I keep what's there an add to it. I'm in Minnesota. Thanks!

@williamblountjr9282 Жыл бұрын

You have to have 200 feeders 2 art hundred amp is only number four check your code book or Feeders

@justinn9381 2 жыл бұрын

Here in Florida, we wire A LOT of swimming pools. Why does all of the pool equipment (pump, salt cell, heater etc.) need to be bonded to the footer of the pool if it's already grounded to the main panel?

@Bradley-tx6ed 2 жыл бұрын

its so every piece of the pool has the same ground potential. Small voltage differences that can occur between different parts of the pool system can be dangerous when people are in the water. which this is called equipotential bonding

@NickFrom1228 2 жыл бұрын

Query youtube for "Mike Holt swimming pool". Watch his series on swimming pools. It's thorough and makes you think. He gives real cases where people have been killed because of issues.

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you are grounding the water now too! It is required.

@justinn9381 2 жыл бұрын

@@KevinCoop1 I think you mean bonding. We do bond the niche for the light.

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

@@justinn9381 I’m talking about a plate electrode installed in the bottom of the pool. 2020 NEC. Sorry, I only have up to 2017 NEC. Retired.

@JacobYoces 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Dustin, why are some devices and equipment polarity sensitive on single phase 120v? Shouldn't it not matter on an alternating current system since the polarity is constantly changing?

@JT-lq4yd 2 жыл бұрын

Are you asking why a blade on a plug is wider that the other one?

@JacobYoces 2 жыл бұрын

@@JT-lq4yd no

@jkbrown5496 2 жыл бұрын

They might use chassis ground as a reference. Gas furnaces do this with their low voltage 24vac circuit with it commoned to the chassis. If the transformer isn't wired so that the TH secondary (R) is in phase with the mains L1, it can mess up the flame rectification flame sensing which uses the grounded and commoned chassis for the return through the burner and is dealing with micro-amps.

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

The answer is unless it is double insulated, the manufacturer wants the switch installed on the hot conductor.

@kalijasin 2 жыл бұрын

Grounded noun. Grounding verb.

@Merescat 2 жыл бұрын

AH! So we're going with the "ded" and "ding" thing, eh? 😁

@shaneintegra 2 жыл бұрын

Hey I got a 8/4 soow power cable for my welder that has a L6-20 male connection. Would it be alright to combine the white and green together? Or should I just leave that out all together? The other end will have a 6-50r. Thank you

@rupe53 2 жыл бұрын

you should probably upgrade everything for 4 wire with a separate neutral and ground. (outlets and plugs) BTW, #8 wire is not heavy enough for a 50 amp circuit. It's only rated for 40 amps.

@shaneintegra 2 жыл бұрын

@@rupe53 my welder is rated for 20 amps though. The power cable it came with is an L6-20r

@tiggeroush 2 жыл бұрын

Leave off the white/neutral. Your welder does not have or use one.

@rupe53 2 жыл бұрын

@@shaneintegra ... that clarifies the welder draw to be well within the power cable capacity. That 50 amp outlet is only a 3 wire connection so likely set up for 2 hots and a ground to the welder chassis. (if it's 240 volt) The old code will have you using red. black, and green, with no neutral. (white wire) New code for that outlet would have you using all 4 wires to an outlet / plug with 4 prongs.... and likely GFIC as well.

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

@@shaneintegra An L6-20 is 250 volts and 20 amperes. Your 8/4 conductor cord is way overkill. You need either #12/2WG or #10/2WG (for very long cord) for your welder. Do not connect it to 30,40,or 50 amp receptacles. Receptacle should be L6-20R on 2 pole 20 amp breaker with #12 minimum wire.

@parkerhaffele2910 2 жыл бұрын

Could you explain calculating number of conductors you can put in a conduit?

@JacobMcMarley 2 жыл бұрын

Don't fill the area more than 40%. you can go up to 60% fill if the conduit is less than 24" or you only have two conductors. Chapter 9 will have all the tables to reference, but if all the conductors are of the same size then just keep turning the pages a little more till you get to Annex C and you'll find cheat sheets for each conduit type. Each conduit section has two parts. The second part is suffixed by "(A)". Ex: C.1(A), or C.2(A). The "(A)" sections are for compact conductor types and that's probably not what you have to work with.

@tiggeroush 2 жыл бұрын

Jacob McAfee is on the right track. Chapter 9 Table 1 shows us; one conductor is 53% fill, 2 conductors 31% fill, more than 2 conductors 40% fill, and not exceeding 24 inches 60% fill. Chapter 9 Table 4 has the raceway usable area based on the percentages. Chapter 9 Table 5 has the conductor area based on type of conductor(THHN, RHW, ect). Chapter 9 Table 5A has the compact conductor sizes. Or we can go to Annex C and it will tell us how many conductors can fit in what size conduit, if the conductors are all the same. But I have been told not to use Annex C on a test, because it is based on a table that is no longer in the NEC.

@tiggeroush 2 жыл бұрын

To do the calculation, take the conductor first. The example I will use 3 #8 THHN and 3 #12 THHN. Chapter 9 Table 5 tells me #8 THHN is 0.0366 sqin and #12 THHN is 0.0133 sqin. Next we just add all 6 of them together and get 0.1497 sqin. Next we find a raceway it will fit into from Chapter 9 Table 4. I will use Rigid Metal Conduit and go to the 40% fill because I have over 2 conductors and I will be running it over 24 inches. The table tell me 3/4 inch RMC has 0.220 sqin of usable space at 40% and would be the answer I would give on a test. What the code does not tell me is that next month I will be told to add more wires...

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

If all the conductors are of the same gauge, I always used the tables in NEC. If there were different size conductors, then I always used Southwire Conduit Fill App. I hate doing math and typically needed to get more work completed in design. BTW, little known fact, conduit fill more than 2 conductors is 40.49%. In the back of NEC it says you can round down. It saved my butt on one very large job once.

@tiggeroush 2 жыл бұрын

@@KevinCoop1 True, the Rounding rule 220.5(B) is used throughout the code unless the code says to not round up or places like 392.20(D) where it would be imposable to put in another conductor.