2. cables
  3. 177709-125055

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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,960 posts
 

twoleftears

If you’re putting in a dedicated 20amp line, or even 2 or 4 of them, and if there are no free spaces on the main breaker box panel that you currently have, do you also end up putting in a new larger panel? Does a sub-panel solve that?

A sub-panel is one solution. The less complicated solution is a tandem breaker, which many panels accept.

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

@ditusa , yes I was planning on installing two lines, and then playing around with what configuration sounds the best.

For others to reference, I’ve read it’s important to have all of your lines on the same electrical phase.  The electrician will know how to do this with your breaker panel, but probably won’t know to do it without being directed.

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,887 posts
 

@nyev,

I’ve read it’s important to have all of your lines on the same electrical phase. The electrician will know how to do this with your breaker panel, but probably won’t know to do it without being directed.

I agree!

FWIW: My four dedicated lines are not on the same electrical phase at the breaker panel. The best sounding configuration in my rig is what I posted above.

Mike

 

ghdprentice
7,048 posts
 

OP,

I think you have made a good choice… I put in another direct line last year. I had the electrician use 10 gauge romex. It made a nice difference.
 

I think it is important to move on these things one at a time… make each prove they were worth it. There are so many possible improvements, each can be a learning experience. Go hog wild when the last three things you did to your power really impressed you and you are now convinced major surgery will produce further gains. 

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

@nyev :

I’m going to really going to enjoy my big fat 10AWG wires with lower resistance, enabling more rapid access to glorious peak current, all for like two hundred bucks extra, give or take. 

Good decision. Best of luck with the project and install. IMO, the peace of mind alone by doing 10 AWG, no regrets down the road, is totally worth the extra two hundred bucks, regardless of whether it makes a difference in theory or practice 

 

More to discover