Can I run 3AWG and splice to my 2/0?

[Icebunnies]

Running a 60A panel 600' from my distribution panel. Voltage drop calculations dictate 2/0 wire.
My concern is that I can't fit a 2/0 into a 60A breaker, but will using a smaller wire from the breaker in the distribution panel cause a "bottleneck" effectively negating the benefits of the 2/0 to address the voltage drop?

 

[LarryFine]

Welcome to the forum.

Simply, no. The larger conductor does not somehow force more current through the smaller conductor.

You're reducing resistance, not increasing current. Each portion will contribute its share of voltage drop.

 

[Icebunnies]

Thank you Larry,
That was my belief, but other than logic I was unable to find that answer anywhere.

 

[hillbilly1]

Done all the time, you can use a splicer/reducer, and tape it, or an insulated mechanical lug such as a Polaris or Ilsco tap, or even (much less common for that size), a crimp terminal.

 

[Todd0x1]

Why 3ga? You only need #6. I'd use these (covered with heavy wall adhesive lined heatshrink of course) to go from the 2/0 down to #6. Make the pieces of #6 long enough that the 2/0 isn't putting any mechanical stress on the breaker.

COPPER REDUCING CRIMP SPLICE 2/0 AWG (BLACK) to #6 AWG (BLUE)

COPPER REDUCING CRIMP SPLICE, 2/0 AWG (BLACK) to #6 AWG (BLUE)

www.elecdirect.com

 

[drcampbell]

Thank you Larry,
That was my belief, but other than logic I was unable to find that answer anywhere.

Ohm's Law, resistances in series.

 

[Jraef]

For clarity, I edited that long sentence in the thread title…

 

[masterinbama]

Why 3ga? You only need #6. I'd use these (covered with heavy wall adhesive lined heatshrink of course) to go from the 2/0 down to #6. Make the pieces of #6 long enough that the 2/0 isn't putting any mechanical stress on the breaker.

COPPER REDUCING CRIMP SPLICE 2/0 AWG (BLACK) to #6 AWG (BLUE)

COPPER REDUCING CRIMP SPLICE, 2/0 AWG (BLACK) to #6 AWG (BLUE)

www.elecdirect.com

Learn something new every day

 

[acrwc10]

Don't forget to up size the equipment grounding conductor also.