12
Chat with our AI personalities
The V stands for volts and A is amps. If for example you have a 12kVA device and are running off a voltage of 120 volts then Amps = 12000/120 = 100. You then use the calculated amps in a wire size table to get the correct size.
The key parameter in sizing wire is the current requirement. Once you know that you can look up value in a wire gauge table. The length of the run is important for longer runs because of the resistance of the wire itself. Aluminum wire requires a larger diameter than copper for the same current. Once you calculate the wire size you can then size the conduit.
The most significant part of the equation is, what will be the maximum current draw? If it's to be a small current draw, for example 40 Amp service (40 amp breaker), you'll use 8AWG wire that's rated for direct burial. Higher current rating will require larger wire. As always, if you have any questions about the proper wiring or how to connect electrical service, contact a local electrical contractor. Understand that improper wiring can result in fire and/or death.
For single phase 30 amps at 120 volts you would need a #8 copper wire with an insulation rating of 90 degrees C.
In residential wiring the white wire is neutral on the 120 volt circuits. On a 3way circuit the red is the traveler and the white is neutral. On a 240 volt 3 wire connection the white & black are hot. On a 240 volt 4 wire connection the black and red are hot and the white is neutral.