John Jensen on fri 12 apr 02
Chris suggests oversizing all your wire, which sounds like a good idea. You
probably should check that the oversizing goes all the way back to the box,
as having large wire downstream from smaller wire can cause fire hazard. If
for example you have 14 gauge wire running out to your shop and then
everything in the shop is 12 gauge, you would be at risk. At least, so I've
been lead to believe. I've done a lot of wiring myself, but in later years
have come to rely on professionals. It's easy to make a mistake.
John Jensen, Mudbug Pottery, Annapolis
mudbug@toad.net, www.Toadhouse.com
Jim Kasper on fri 12 apr 02
> as having large wire downstream from smaller wire can cause fire hazard.
If
> for example you have 14 gauge wire running out to your shop and then
> everything in the shop is 12 gauge, you would be at risk.
The circuit breaker in the box must be sized no bigger than for the smallest
gauge wire. As long as this is the case, there would be no hazard form using
#12 at end of circuit, ie if you had #14 wire in circuit breaker size would
be limited to 15 amps.
This stated there would not be much purpose in doing such a thing.
My read on the original idea was that suppose you had a 50 amp kiln, then
you would need to pull #6 wire for the receptacle or junction box. IF you
had expansion plans you might pull #3 wire in anticipation of a 100 amp kiln
at a later date. For the time being you would install a 50 amp breaker in
the panel. Upgrading would be as simple as changing breakers.
Regards,
Jim Kasper
Working Potter on sat 13 apr 02
I personally would not use 14 gage wire in any laid in wire as it is
usually inadequate to carry any but the lamp or a couple lights but not a
full size potter's wheel used regularly or much else where multiple
recepticles or appliances must draw on it.Use 12 for common runs and smaller
numbers [morre capacity]matched all the way to the mached plus 10
%breaker.Do not use a breaker too heavy or light for the line or it will not
preform its proper duty and will be a hazard.I have had to even make
certain
electricians followed this too[my father was a master electrician], My
spouse is now taking a class in electric code before we hire another
electrician to wire our workshops.Just because code allows things a certain
way it may be in your best interest to go to a much higher level as code
does
not adequately address specialized needs we have repeatedly realized.There
are classes in the trades available in your locality if you are not
isolated
that may be well worth taking for your own edification just to become well
informed.He is also taking construction framing, even though he is a
finefurniture person, to help build workshop structures.I was taking
welding
classes until my van was vandalized by joy riders, no it was locked.The more
skills you learn about, even if you do not practice them the safer you will
build your workspace.Knowledge is power. I only wish we had done more
when we were younger as it would have averted a lot of troubles.
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