Conductor sizing

[david luchini]

I agree that there's not enough information...namely the OCPD rating. I'm guessing the want you to assume a 50A OCPD for a 48A load. That would make the correct answer #3awg.

Edit: On second thought, if they're asking for the minimum conductor size, that would imply the minimum possible ocpd size...so still #3

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Correct, but you're assuming that the terminals would limit the conductor to the 60° C ampacity?

No I am saying if we are not told then we assume 60C for amp less than 100 amps or wires #1 or smaller

 

[wwhitney]

We don't know the terminations and the load is less than 100 amps so we have to assume 60C per 110.14(C). #2 at 60C is 95 amps. Thus we need to go to #1.

The 60C limit only applies at the terminations, where the 0.5 adjustment factor does not apply.

Cheers, Wayne