answersLogoWhite

0

You should not use any wire smaller than 8 AWG COPPER in a 40 amp breaker. If you have any questions about your application, you should contact a local electrical contractor for your own safety.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

DevinDevin
I've poured enough drinks to know that people don't always want advice—they just want to talk.
Chat with Devin
CoachCoach
Success isn't just about winning—it's about vision, patience, and playing the long game.
Chat with Coach
BeauBeau
You're doing better than you think!
Chat with Beau
More answers

For a 40 amp breaker, you typically use 8-gauge wire for 120-volt circuits and 6-gauge wire for 240-volt circuits. Ensure to consult local electrical codes and guidelines as they may vary.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

9mo ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the largest wire that will fit in a 40 amp breaker?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Will it hurt to use a 40 amp breaker on a water heater the wire I was sold will not fit into the 30 amp on a sq. D circuit breaker?

Using a higher amp breaker than recommended can create a safety hazard. It is not recommended to use a 40 amp breaker on a water heater that requires a 30 amp breaker. You should consult with a licensed electrician to properly address the wiring issue.


What would happen if a 200 amp breaker is used in a 100 amp sub panel?

There are two things to think about here. First of all a 200 amp breaker will not physically fit into a 100 amp panel. This is so designed because the panel buss is not designed to conduct 200 amps before the current is cut off. A 100 amp rating on the panel is the maximum amount of current that the manufacturer states, that can be handled safely. Second if the 200 amp breaker is in the main panel then everything downstream from that breaker has to be rated for 200 amp conductivity. The wire size will have to be 3/0 from the breaker to the first over current device in the sub panel which will be the sub panel's main breaker. The sub panel can not be a load center but will have to be a combination panel. I doubt that the 100 amp sub panel's main breaker lugs would be large enough to connect the 3/0 cable.


Would you use a 6 or 8 size cable for an electric range and will that size wire fit in a new 50 amp double pole GE breaker or would a sub panel have to be added for that size wire?

== == === === Gauge #6 wires are best for this application. The breaker and wire should fit in your main panel unless it is already overloaded. Get advice from an electrician. ----- See Discussion for additional information As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed. Before you do any work yourself,on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOBSAFELY AND COMPETENTLYREFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.


Can you use 8 ga wire with 35 amp breaker?

If the wire will fit into the breakers terminal without cutting off any strands from the #8 conductor, then it is OK to use that size. This situation usually happens when a larger size wire has to be used to overcome voltage drop when the load is quite a distance away.


Will a 2 pole 60 amp ITE Gould or Westinghouse breaker replace a 2 pole 60 amp T and B unit?

Yes, a 2 pole 60 amp ITE Gould or Westinghouse breaker can replace a 2 pole 60 amp T and B unit as long as they have the same voltage rating and fit properly in the panel. It is important to make sure that the replacement breaker is compatible with your specific panel model.