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What type of wire for dedicated 20A AC lines?

I’m about to have two 20A dedicated lines installed. What type of wire should I use? I know there are differences of opinion on whether to use 10 AWG or 12 AWG, however the link below makes a great case for using even 8 AWG solid core copper on longer runs like mine will be (50 ft), to ensure a lower resistance, lower voltage drop over the long run, and therefore more access to instantaneous current for my Gryphon Diablo 300. The wire would need to be stepped down to 10 AWG to connect with the receptacle. The article actually states that the thickness of the wire is more important than the fact that it is dedicated…

Assuming I want to follow this advice, which again makes sense to me, where would I find such wire to give to my electrician?

 

nyev
jea48
4,320 posts
 

@nyev 

I would not feed the amp with 240V.

Probably the biggest reason you couldn't use aftermarket 120V plug power cords.

(A 240V branch circuit will require a 250V wall receptacle...)

jea48
4,320 posts
 

@ditusa 

 

I suggest you read NEC 210.6 (A)(2)

"Branch-Circuit Voltage Limitations"

 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,770 posts
 

 

He can use a plastic box and still be code compliant...

Jim,

I agree! I prefer a metal box for better shielding of the BX/MC cable from the breaker panel to plug.

Mike

nyev OP
1,026 posts
 

Thanks all, I checked Home Depot’s site and couldn’t find any solid core 10 AWG wire.  I guess an electrical supply shop might have it.

Also, I assume I need three conductors including ground?  Sorry if that’s a dumb question!

I understand the rationale for the 240V option.  Will try to consider any cons of this approach.  Anyone tried this?

 

nyev OP
1,026 posts
 

Would this be ideal:

 

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