What size wires for 30 amp circuit?

Answer 1

If you had to ask this question here you need to learn more about your local wiring code re all the items you must use for a new household AC power range circuit.

Serious home fires can result from incorrectly installed new circuits.

So that the new installation is safe and legal - and complies with the terms of your home insurance policy - you must use the correct type and size of cable, the correct type of circuit breaker and the correct type of wall outlet.

From the local wiring code, a licensed electrician will know which size of wire to use because the answer depends both on the current to be carried (amps) and on the length of the run from the breakers on the main supply panel to the place where the outlet for the kitchen range is to be fixed.

For your own personal safety -- as well as your family and anyone else who may use the new range circuit in the future (such as if you sell your home) -- the best advice anyone can give you is call a licensed electrican to do the job. He will be able to advise you about the right wire size for the length of run, the types of breakers (main panel and GFCI), the outlet and anything else which may be necessary for your new range circuit to comply with the wiring codes in your locality (town/state), and he would install them safely for you.

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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 JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

Answer 2

As a rule of thumb, for circuits of shorter length, 10AWG (copper wire) or 8 AWG (aluminum wire) are matched to 110 volt, single phase, with a load of 30A.

**Bear in mind that the wire gauge required by code may be different in some locations; to ensure you use the correct gauge, consult your local building inspector - the electric company will have contact details.

Voltage Drop.

When a run of wire exceeds a certain distance, the voltage drop is important. Usually, it's not a problem in circuits within a house, but may become an issue when the wire runs to an outbuilding, well, etc.

Excessive voltage drop can cause loss of efficiency in operation of lights, motors, and appliances. To avoid this, choose a wire gauge that minimizes the voltage drop.

The table below gives gauges that are true for copper wire carrying 110 volt, single phase, with a load of 30A, for a maximum of 3% voltage drop.

Length = Gauge

25 ft = 10 AWG

50 ft = 8 AWG

100 ft = 6 AWG

150 ft = 4 AWG

200 ft = 3 AWG

The table below gives gauges that are true for wire carrying 220 volt, single phase, with a load of 30A, for a maximum of 3% voltage drop:

Length = Gauge

25 ft = 10 AWG (copper) or 8 AWG (aluminum)

50 ft = 10 AWG (copper) or 8 AWG (aluminum)

100 ft = 8 AWG (copper) or 6 AWG (aluminum)

150 ft = 6 AWG (copper) or 4 AWG (aluminum)

200 ft = 6 AWG (copper) or 4 AWG (aluminum)

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Answer 3

The wire size for a 30 amp breaker is a #10 copper conductor which is rated at 30 amps. The only time a larger size wire will be used on a 30 amp breaker is when the distance to the load is a specific distance away from the distribution supply. The larger size wire is used to over come voltage drop.

Answer 4

15 amp. =14 gauge

20 amp. =12 gauge

30 amp. =10 gauge

dont forget you only get 80% of that