I cannot seem to get my boss or the people of the job to understand that we as electricians cannot size wire according to the 90 degree table of 310.16. In article 110 it clearly stated that the wire 100 amps or less has to be sized at 60 degrees and 100 or more at 75 degrees. Of course this also depends what degree the equiptment is rated for and if it qualifies under 310-15b service entrance 400 amps or less. Of course they don't take in consideration more than 3 current carrying conductors in a raceway calculations or voltage drop. I understand that companies try to save money and of course the smaller 90c wire is less expensive but i really try to do things right and the consequences of an inspector catching it could be of course devistating not only to the wallet but the trust and respect of the contractor that hired us as well. In the end it is their company and we do as were told but this is frustrating, does anyone else have any solutions? I quote the code and what it says and that just does not seem to sink in, they seem to think that since the wire is rated for the amperage they can pull it and i get the ol' "we've been doing it forever" line. I always say thats why we update the code book and study the changes, cause things change. Any ideas?
wire sizing
- Thread starter rjdad82
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LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Why isn't the inspector "catching it" every time?
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
You do realize, it seems you do, that you can use 90C wire and start their for the derating etc. You just cannot use OCPD ( in most cases) that is greater then the weakest link-- usually the terminals on breakers etc.
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