12 wire for 220v

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xjfam

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I had a customer who was building a garage, we installed a 12/2 for the air compressor that he specked on-line. When the inspector came for the rough-in, he said that I could not use 12 wire for 220v. Anyone have any answers why? I have asked around and everyone seems as confused as me. Can't seem to find anything in the code book.:-?
 
Drbond,
I like the signature:
"Engineers are always honest in matters of technology and human relationships.
That's why it's a good idea to keep engineers away from
customers, romantic interests, and anyone else who can't handle the truth."

Yes, have the AHJ 'educate' the OP about 'which' code is violated. :smile:
Be nice about it, and you may still have to pay for an additional inspection.
I have seen AHJ's pick on home owners who wire their own house,
and electricians that are new in the area.
Could these be an issue? :-?
 
xjfam said:
I had a customer who was building a garage, we installed a 12/2 for the air compressor that he specked on-line. When the inspector came for the rough-in, he said that I could not use 12 wire for 220v. Anyone have any answers why? I have asked around and everyone seems as confused as me. Can't seem to find anything in the code book.:-?
Click to expand...

What is the insulation rating on the cable?
What kind of cable? Romex, UF, MC?
 
xjfam said:
I had a customer who was building a garage, we installed a 12/2 for the air compressor that he specked on-line. When the inspector came for the rough-in, he said that I could not use 12 wire for 220v. :-?
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14/2 can be used for 220 volts. Now if the compressor is a very large compressor it may need 10/2.

Now if you live in Canada they will not allow regular 12/2 for 220 volts. They make a 12/2 that has a red and a black wire plus ground for that purpose.
 
If you're in Canada like Dennis Alwon mentioned then ok I can accept the inspector telling you that you can't use that wire. But if you are in the US then I can't believe how ignorant this guy is. I would be so furious. Stuff would hit the fan if I had to deal with an idiot like this. This is where I have my own personal problem. I can't see myself taking this with a grain of salt, when someone in a higher position than myself or someone who has the authority to tell me that my work is wrong, doesn't know as much as me or doesn't even know enough to be in the position that they are in. Jeeze this really boils my hind parts.
 
steelersman said:
If you're in Canada like Dennis Alwon mentioned then ok I can accept the inspector telling you that you can't use that wire. But if you are in the US then I can't believe how ignorant this guy is. I would be so furious. Stuff would hit the fan if I had to deal with an idiot like this. This is where I have my own personal problem. I can't see myself taking this with a grain of salt, when someone in a higher position than myself or someone who has the authority to tell me that my work is wrong, doesn't know as much as me or doesn't even know enough to be in the position that they are in. Jeeze this really boils my hind parts.
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One of the few reasons I don't like construction:cool:
 
xjfam said:
I had a customer who was building a garage, we installed a 12/2 for the air compressor that he specked on-line. When the inspector came for the rough-in, he said that I could not use 12 wire for 220v. Anyone have any answers why? I have asked around and everyone seems as confused as me. Can't seem to find anything in the code book.:-?
Click to expand...

You gotta use that 220 wire that the big box guy sells the HOs
 
xjfam said:
I had a customer who was building a garage, we installed a 12/2 for the air compressor that he specked on-line. When the inspector came for the rough-in, he said that I could not use 12 wire for 220v. Anyone have any answers why? I have asked around and everyone seems as confused as me. Can't seem to find anything in the code book.:-?
Click to expand...

Did he say you could not use 12# wire, or 12/2 w/ ground. He maybe thinking that a white wire is always a grounded conductor. If this the the case, reidentify/mark the wire as an ungrounded conductor and show him 207(c)1.
 
xjfam said:
I had a customer who was building a garage, we installed a 12/2 for the air compressor that he specked on-line. When the inspector came for the rough-in, he said that I could not use 12 wire for 220v. Anyone have any answers why? I have asked around and everyone seems as confused as me. Can't seem to find anything in the code book.:-?
Click to expand...

Are you sure the inspector was not turning down the #12 for the 240 volt circuit due to it it being to small for the load?

What was the load on name plate or spec for the air compressor?

Roger
 
Chances are, once we pull back the curtain and see the whole story, it will make more sense. What is the load ? breaker size? How was the NM installed--surface run? concealed?
The reason I reject a job (validated by code #) is occasionly a far cry from the reason I hear that I rejected the job.
 
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