Like aluminum wires, the copper wires will show some wear and tear if they get exposed to excessive load. That does not mean copper wires are invulnerable. So, when you use a small wire, it might exceed this recommended voltage drop.Ĭopper wires are capable of withstanding more wear and tear than aluminum wires. If the chosen wire is unable to maintain these settings, it could damage the entire circuit. Whenever you run a distance of 200 feet, the voltage drop should be below 3% for lighting and 5% for other uses. So, whenever the appliances don’t get enough electricity, they might get completely burned out or partially damaged. For instance, all the devices are powered by a 30 amp circuit. Most of the time, those devices might get damaged beyond repair.Īs pointed out in the above section, melting can be one reason for damaged electrical appliances. Not only that, this melting can affect the inside of the electronics. This amount of heat might be too much for thin wires and capacitors. In terms of electrical conductivity, copper is a far better choice than aluminum.Ī heavy load can create a large amount of heat. The conductivity measures this resistance. If you want to future-proof and allow for 50A, then use either 8-gauge or 6-gauge depending on the wire type and environmental factors. To keep the 30A breaker, use 10 gauge or larger wire. When heat or electrical current goes through a material, it will face some resistance from that particular material. wire you already have on-hand, downgrade the breaker to 20A. If you are not familiar with the terms of conductivity, here is a simple explanation. For runs under 50 feet, 10 gauge wire may be rated for a 30 amp load, but for continuous load, it is derated to 80 of its value, or 24 amps. Compared to aluminum, copper’s thermal expansion value is low. Usually, copper wires don’t expand that much. Thermal expansion refers to the expandability of metal when that particular metal is exposed to heat. So, you’ll be able to move around the wires without any hesitation.
Copper has 40% higher tensile strength compared to aluminum. In terms of tensile strength, copper is far superior to aluminum. 30 Amp Circuit Wire Size - Conquerall Electrical Wire gauge - Wikipedia. It will ensure the wire doesn’t break easily. Branch Circuit Breaker Selection & Wire Sizing Outdoor Circuit Breaker market.
So, here are some facts that can help you make your decision.įor any underground wire, having a higher tensile strength is crucial. But, which one is more suitable for an underground wiring project? ( 1, 2) Often, people living in RVs use 30, and sometimes 50, amp systems to run all the appliances in the vehicle. The most common household item that requires a 30 amp circuit is a central air conditioner. Both aluminum and copper are excellent conductors. 30 AMP Wire Size For a maximum of 30 amps, you'll need a wire gauge of 10.
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