answersLogoWhite

0

📱

Modification of Old Electrical Work

Electrical and building codes have changed over time and new methods proscribed for safety. Converting the old to the new leads to lots of questions.

4,592 Questions

What wire should you use in 300 amp three phase circuit breaker?

For a 300 amp three phase circuit breaker, you should use wire that is rated for at least 300 amps. The wire gauge needed will depend on the material (copper or aluminum) and the installation method (conduit or cable), so it's recommended to consult with the National Electrical Code (NEC) or a qualified electrician for the specific wire size required. Using the correct wire size is crucial to ensure safety and prevent overheating.

How many watts is 8 amps at 240 volts?

P = E^2 / R

P = (240 x 240)/ 8 = 7200 watts

If this is coninuously energized for 24 hours:

7.2 kw/hr x 24 = 172.8 kw/hrs

How can one stop a portable AC unit from shutting off the circuit breaker?

Don't overload it.

Your circuit may not be large enough. If it is 15 amps at 110 volts I'd bet that's it. If it shares a circuit with lights or other equipment that may be a major factor also.

What are the advantages of using two two-way switches to control one lamp?

It actually is called a three way switch. The reason you use them is so you can turn on lights from two locations like two entries to the room that may be far apart

How can you check if you have 240 volts on a 30 amp two pole breaker?

To check if you have 240 volts on a 30 amp two pole breaker, you can use a digital multimeter set to measure voltage. Turn off the breaker, then test between the two breaker terminals and ground. If you read around 240 volts, it indicates that the breaker is providing the right voltage. If not, there may be an issue with the breaker or the wiring.

How many amps can a 20 amp breaker hold on a lightning load?

I'd try to stay about 16 amps to prevent the breaker from nuisance tripping.

That is as many as 32 - 60 watt incandescent (normal) lights or 83 - 23 watt CFLs. In practical terms it is hard to overload a single circuit with lights or other small loads (just about anything using a receptacle except the obvious AC unit or vacuum cleaner).

Will a relay with a 40 amp rating function properly in a circuit with a 30 amp fuse?

Yes, a relay with a 40 amp rating can be used in a circuit with a 30 amp fuse. The fuse is designed to protect the circuit from overcurrent, while the relay's rating indicates the maximum load it can handle. As long as the total current drawn by the circuit does not exceed the fuse rating, the relay should function properly.

Can a 240 circuit with red black white and bare ground be changed into two separate 120 volt circuits using the same neutral white wire for both 120 volt circuits?

Yes but it is not compliant with the NEC you can use a 240 volt circuit, (Ground, Hot, Hot) you would use a (either) hot wire with a ground wire and that will be a 120 volt circuit.

I strongly advise you not to do this though because a ground wire is not trully meant to carry current and it will not be approved by any inspector.

How many 120 V 20 amp receptacles are there?

To calculate the number of receptacles on a 20 amp circuit with a 120V supply, you need to consider the total circuit capacity. A 20 amp circuit can typically support around 10 receptacles. However, always consult local building codes and regulations to ensure compliance and safety.

What happens when you connect a load ie... both terminals of a lamp plug to a single 110V hot wire?

If the load is not grounded and has no connection to neutral then nothing should happen. This begs the question of why you would do such a thing. If you touch any metal part on the load you will likely get a shock.

Can you use a 15 amp fuse instead of a 10 amp fuse for your car gauges?

It is NEVER a good idea to use a higher value fuse. The reason for the 10 Amp fuse is that it blows at 10 amps which the wire and device being protected is designed to handle. If you substitute 15 amps and that amount of current flows in your device, it may destroy the device and other things in the path of the current.

Will a 10 ga copper wire carry 20 amps at 400 ft?

The resistance for 400 ft. of 10 AWG copper is .4 ohms. This would be a voltage drop of (.4 x 20) or 8 volts. For 120 VAC service this is a 6% which is a bit high. At 240 volts it is 3%. At 8 AWG the resistance is .251 ohms which will give you better performance.

What size wire is needed from your meter to your breaker box which is 120 feet away for 200 amp service?

For a 200 amp service running 120 feet, you would typically need 2/0 gauge copper wire. This size wire is capable of handling the current without significant voltage drop over that distance. It's always recommended to consult with a licensed electrician for a specific project to ensure compliance with local electrical codes and safety standards.

What is black and white single wire in ceiling fan for?

A black and white single wire in a ceiling fan is typically used for connecting the fan's light kit. The black wire is for connecting the live/hot wire, which powers the light, while the white wire is for the neutral wire, completing the electrical circuit. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when connecting the wires to ensure proper installation and safe operation.

How do you connect a 4 prong generator twist and lock plug to a power strip?

Yes you can put a 4 prong plug on a 3 prong appliance. A 4 prong plug is designed for 3 phase wiring. a 3 prong appliance is designed for single phase wiring. In the United States, going across two of the hot wires in three phase wiring will give you 208 volts instead of the 240 volts you would get with single phase wiring. Going across one of the wires will give you 104 volts instead of the 120 volts you would get with single phase wiring. Your stove will not be as hot.

On the other hand, if you are trying to run an appliance with a motor, you could burn up the motor. The motor is designed so the wire from one side will be on when the wire from the other side is off. That will not work when they are out of phase. Hopefully, your circuit breakers and fire extinguishers are in good condition. ( The answer above is incorrect and that's why I am leaving it alone, the correct answer follows.) your question probably applies to a residential dryer or cooking unit. Past codes only required three wire cords. The bare wire on this cord acted as ground and neutral. Now the code requires that the metal enclosure of these appliances have a separate grounding conductor and neutral. To convert a dryer to four wire, remove the wiring terminal cover, you will see a terminal block with three wires on it. the center wire is the neutral/grounding conductor, it should also have a copper bonding strap from this block to the frame of the dryer. Remove this strap and discard. Remove the two outside wires and complete removal of old cord. Install the new cord and connect the white wire to the center terminal, the green wire to the dryer frame. Connect the two hot wires to the outside terminals and reinstall the terminal cover. Do not put to much confidence in the original answer as part of his answer reveals to me he is an amateur electrician and shouldn't answer questions he knows nothing about.

You are correct that I knew nothing about that!. On the other hand, I have seen licensed electricians really mess up 3 phase in industrial settings!

What is the size wire for 200 amp?

At least 000 AWG copper or better yet, 0000 AWG copper. Another consideration is how far the 200 Amps are to be carried. Wire has resistance and 0000 copper has a resistance of .04901 Ohms per thousand feet. At 200 Amps, this means that over one thousand feet the voltage will be 9.8 Volts lower than at the starting point.

What size conduit and aluminum wire for a 400 foot run for 200 amps?

The question can't be answered without knowing what the voltage is. That is because the allowed voltage drop is 5% of the supply voltage, so you need to know the supply voltage. Then the wire calculation aims to find out what the minimum size of wire is that produces that voltage drop or less.

Can you switch a 30 amp breaker to a 50 amp?

Yes you can use a 60 amp breaker to feed a 100 amp sub panel. The wire from the 60 amp breaker must be #6 or larger. You will not be able to draw the maximum 100 amps from the panel you will be limited to 60 amps.

What gauge wire do you need for 12.5 amps?

Electrical heaters are one of the devices that has to use the 80% de rate. A #12 copper wire is rated at 20 amps,de rated is 16 amp continuous. A #14 copper wire is rated at 15 amps, de rated is 12 amps. When a wire's capacity is smaller that that of the load current the next larger wire size must be used.

<<>>

Many heaters use #16 wire for this but its hot wires.
They use special heater cord for this. Poor design.
If you use #14 then any #14 is OK.
Always check plugs for overheating.
Clean plug tips.

What is the difference in electrical wire sizes and can too small gauge wire effect your electric bill?

no it won't, it will only effect your circuit breakers........your bill depends on how much electricity u use.................

------------------

Conductors that are too small will actually reduce your electric bill, but for bad reasons. Smaller conductors have higher resistance which reduce how many amps can flow. But at the same time can produce more heat and provide less voltage than you need to equipment.

Smaller conductors consume more power in themselves, limiting how much power gets to equipment.

Can you control 10 outlets with one 20 amp GFCI outlet on one 20 amp circuit?

Yes. I know of no limits to how many regular receptacles (outlets) you can "piggy back" onto one GFCI receptacle.

However, in commercial and industrial construction there are limits to how many receptacles can be placed on any one circuit. These limits in the United States and according to the NEC are: 10 receptacles on a 15 amp circuit and 13 receptacles on a 20 amp circuit.

How do you wire a three prong twist lock receptacle to a 4 prong male connector in 220V?

To wire a three-prong twist lock receptacle to a four-prong male connector for 220V, you will need to connect the two hots, neutral, and ground wires from the male connector to the appropriate terminals on the receptacle. Make sure to follow the specific wiring diagram for your receptacle and connector to ensure proper installation and safety. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with electrical wiring, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a licensed electrician.

How can the light on my GFCI outlet be on when there is no power coming to the outlet?

The pilot light in a GFCI is an indication that the receptacle is hot, maybe they should add a red pilot light to indicate that no power is coming out of the outlet and green when power is available.

What size wire should you use for 20 amp service to a building 200 feet from electric supply?

Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.
Use 10/2 it will handle 30 amps and it wont have a voltage drop.

<><><>

But be very careful: before you can get proper advice about the right size wire to use you have to include information not only about about the length of run, you also need to state the intended installation method!

Is it to be hung between buildings in the open air or fixed to a wall, etc. ... ?

Is it to be in a conduit or clipped to a cable tray, or is it running underground, etc. ... ?

<><><>

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.

Does the black wire go on the gold screw for a three way light switch?

No, typically the black wire goes on the dark-colored screw (usually black) and the gold screw is reserved for the traveler wire in a three-way switch setup. Make sure to follow the specific wiring instructions provided with your particular light switch.