We were visiting at our shop this morning and ive looked a little but not found any solid reasons. Does anybody know why 1/0 was chosen as the minimum size that could be in parallel. I know there is exceptions to go smaller but why in the general sense is it 1/0?
1/0 Parallel Minimum
- Thread starter MasonF
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Because the nec don't want you to use 100 #30 wires for a 100 amp service .
I don't know why they picked exactly 1/0, but with smaller wires, small differences in wire diameter might cause one wire to carry more current than the other one. And there usually just isn't really any great need to parallel smaller wires.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
They benefits to parallel conductors are for siizes 1/0 and larger. Compare the ampacity to circular mil size and note how ampacity is not proportional for 1/0 and larger
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