Wiring 15kw heat stips

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NolaTigaBait

NolaTigaBait

Senior Member
Location
New Orleans,LA
Is it ok to run a #6-2 and a #10-2 to the heat strips?, instead of running 1 feeder?....reason why i am asking is that i have just enough #10 and #6 to do the job....and what kind of disconnect should i install if i run 2 wires to the strips?
 
assuming 240v heat & air handler.
You are in a "maybe" situation, mainly do to the fan motor.
You need to check manufacturer specs for circuit ampacity, especially on your #6.
also keep in mind that prior to '08 #6 NM had to be installed at it's 60 ?
ampacity and with 08, SE & NM both must be used at 60 ?.

so your wiring method and the manufacturer specs will effect the answer.
 
Pretty simple..... 10kw/240=41.667a 5kw would be half that, or 20.833a. Even if you added 25%, that's 52.08a and 26.04a respectivley. 6 in the 60? column is 55, and 10 is 40 dropped down to 30 per 240.4(D).
 
right, i know what size i need....just curious if anyone had a personal preference to the wiring design....cause if i wire it with a #2-2 aluminum feeder, i can use a 4 circuit can with the 60 and 30 breakers, whereas, if i use two seperate wires, i need two seperate disconnects......right?
 
They will all need disconects at the unit and labeled . Also keep in mind 310.16 for romex 60 degree.
Really rather see just one panel. If price is that big of problem dont take the job.
 
I've not broken it down by wire cost, labor, panel vs disconnects, etc, but I can say that HVAC work in this area is VERY competitive and most use the #2 AL with panel, so I would think that cost is less.
Of course, the "unknowns" on the unit may play a part. The #6, #10 as mentioned earlier is at times inadequate for the load. Prior to the '08 Code the #2 AL SE covered all bases. With the '08 60 ? restriction on SE cable, the whole situation may change.
 
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NolaTigaBait said:
Is it ok to run a #6-2 and a #10-2 to the heat strips?, instead of running 1 feeder?....reason why i am asking is that i have just enough #10 and #6 to do the job....and what kind of disconnect should i install if i run 2 wires to the strips?
Click to expand...



No, because of the the low voltage controlls and sensors that shut it down when neccessary.

Some units that come with breakers allready installed on them , would be okay.

Check the specs.
 
buckofdurham said:
No, because of the the low voltage controlls and sensors that shut it down when neccessary.

Some units that come with breakers allready installed on them , would be okay.

Check the specs.
Click to expand...

yes, this unit has a 30 and a 60 on it already...it has a bonding strap if you choose to run one feeder or you can remove it to use two wires
 
NolaTigaBait said:
Is it ok to run a #6-2 and a #10-2 to the heat strips?, instead of running 1 feeder?....reason why i am asking is that i have just enough #10 and #6 to do the job....and what kind of disconnect should i install if i run 2 wires to the strips?
Click to expand...

There is nothing wrong with this instalation. You can put #6 romex on a 60a and #10 on a 30a breaker all day long. I would do it this way if I already had the wire.
 
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