208VAC - 16AWG

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ksvalentine

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This is a question about a component. It is a band heater, with 16AWG wire (2 hot, one gnd). It's a 208V/300W device. I want to understand why 16AWG can be used here. Is it because of the low amperage?
 
You might see if the insulation type is marked on the wire.
Manufacturers often use conductors other than Cu and insulations with a lot higher temp. rating than we are used to for our "building" wires.
A #16 Cu or other alloys might easily carry the current without damage to the actual conductor and the mfg. may use an insulation that will not be damaged by the heat generated by that current on that conductor.
Stove wiring is another example.
 
208VAC - 16AWG

The conductors (stranded) are covered with stainless steel braid.

It's also interesting to note that the connector for this unit is rated at 15A 120V. Why does this make me a natural kind of nervous.:blink:
 
The conductors (stranded) are covered with stainless steel braid.

It's also interesting to note that the connector for this unit is rated at 15A 120V. Why does this make me a natural kind of nervous.:blink:

That is a commonly used insulation for equipment with heating elements. It's rated for high temperature.

Why does the 15A connector make you nervous? You're heater would be pulling 1.44A @ 208V and would only be 2.50A if @ 120V.
 
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It's also interesting to note that the connector for this unit is rated at 15A 120V. Why does this make me a natural kind of nervous.:blink:
The toaster in your kitchen uses 16 ga with a 15 amp plug too. As long as it is below 300 V, there is virtually no distinction between 120 and 240.
 
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