What is everyone using for dedicated AC lines???

I don't know what handbook you are reading, but try passing 50 amps through ANY 10 gauge wire for an extended period of time and see how hot it gets. Ratings like that are foolish at best. 50 amps of current through 8 gauge will show a very definite temperature rise. As far as i'm concerned, 8 gauge is sufficient for 30 to maybe 35 amps of current. It will obviously pass a LOT more than that on short term demand, but it is at the times of high demand that you want the least sag possible. That may not agree with anything else you ever read, but then again, i'm not willing to accept the low standards that the industry uses. Sean
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I hate you guys, why, because it's Sunday night (my day off) and I just pulled out my NEC code book to check something.
Table 310-16 states that a #10 conductor THHN has an ampere rating of 40 amps. A #10 tw (Romex) has an ampere rating of 30 amps. Regardless of these ratings there is a note on this table (240-3) that say's the overcurrent protection shall not exceed 30 amps for a # 10 copper conductor.

Buy the way stranded and solid conductors have the same number of circular mils and thus are rated the same.

Glen: Thanks for posting what you did. I had always thought that 10 gauge in conduit was rated for a max of 30 amps. Given that most of these ratings are running "on the edge" or even "slightly over the edge", i've always found that going at least one gauge heavier than what they recommend helps maintain steady current flow with minimal voltage sag. That's why i said that 8 gauge was good for 30 and "maybe" 35 amps. Sean
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Good to see you posting again Glen.

Albert: I think that Glen's been playing "sniper in the weeds" with us. Like you, i'm glad that he decided to give Audiogon another shot : ) Sean
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