should I run 6/2 romex or larger for a insta hot ??

[rt66electric]

Got a service call The homeowner "nephew-in-laws-friend" has installed a insta-hot>

The nameplate reads 240v @ 54amps

The painter's helper has temped it in by utilizing 8/2 romex on a 50 amp breaker, ran along the air/ ground through the door.

It has ran fine for 2 months july/aug..

distance as the wire flies is approx 25ft

At 54amps would you run 6/2 romex on a 60 amp breaker. or go larger to 4/2 ???

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It appears to me that 54 amps may be the load of the unit and I assume does not need to be figured for continuous duty. That being siad then #6 would be needed. #8 is only good for 50 amps at 75C.

Just realized you are using romex so you must use the 60C column-- #6 is still good.

 

[infinity]

#8 NM cable is only good for 40 amps at 60? C. #6 NM is good for 55 amps or the next higher standard OCPD which would be 60 amps.