load center expecting #6 wire or bigger

[PoorOwner]

So I was planing to have a 40A feeder go into the garage for a subpanel so I can install 240V AC and some other 120V circuit.

I thought I had it figured out because I looked at the Siemens/Square D/Murray They allow wire sizes down to 14 AWG Copper on the big terminals like main lug.

For some reason I ordered a GE panel thinking load centers work the same. I noticed GE list their LUGs from #6 to 1 or #6 to 3. The one I got is 125A. I figure the space won't hurt. but even their 40 amp model (first line) uses the same lug rating, what the heck then?

so what are the options
1) return GE panel get Siemens or subsidies squareD/murray etc.
2) splice a short #6 wire onto #8 feeder before it enters the panel or in the panel. (this would be confusing for future owners or electricians who don't notice the wire is actually a #8, so probably not a good idea)
3) run #6 wire for 40A feed.

Seems like the ground and neutral bars are also expecting #6, but I can just use one of the smaller holes on the bus bars.

I am sure the GE will probably tighten down on smaller wires like 8 or 10, but I don't want to do something that violates the listing.

 

[ard]

I don't want to do something that violates the listing.

Why Not?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Why Not?

Say what?

 

[PoorOwner]

picture turn on poorly but here is the specs of the panel I have

http://apps.geindustrial.com/publibrary/checkout/DET-207?TNR=Data Sheets|DET-207|PDF

 

[ard]

Say what?

I wouldnt think twice about 'violating a listing' as a homeowner doing my own work. (as an licensed electrician you obviously cannot do that)

I know this will spin into "if it violates the listing then that means one cannot determine if it is indeed 'safe'" ....

My concern would be 'is the wire adequately clamped' and not 'does it meet the listing'. OP seems to say 'doesnt matter if the wire is clamped, Im just concerned with violating the listing'.

again, as an owner, all I care about is being safe- not pointless 'corner cases' on listings

[flame suit on... ]

 

[bigb56]

Splicing would work but really #6 would be the way to go. What about when you get your Quincy 80 gallon air compressor and your Hypertherm 45 Plasma cutter? You'll be glad you have the 60 amps then.

 

[Bert_]

I wouldnt think twice about 'violating a listing' as a homeowner doing my own work. (as an licensed electrician you obviously cannot do that)

I know this will spin into "if it violates the listing then that means one cannot determine if it is indeed 'safe'" ....

My concern would be 'is the wire adequately clamped' and not 'does it meet the listing'. OP seems to say 'doesnt matter if the wire is clamped, Im just concerned with violating the listing'.

again, as an owner, all I care about is being safe- not pointless 'corner cases' on listings

[flame suit on... ]

I'm with you.

I've used single hole lugs for two wires and on occasion bent over and doubled a smaller wire to fit a larger lug Common sense goes a long way...

I tend to not advocate that people do these things, but sometimes these listing issues get pushed a little far. Just like how we are now supposed to be using a torque screwdriver on devices.

 

[PoorOwner]

I wasn't trying to make a big fuss, just trying to do it "right".

I know if I tighten down the screw and give the feeder wire a tug, if it doesn't fall out and the screw has not yet bottomed out. I would also conclude it is safe.

 

[Bert_]

I wasn't trying to make a big fuss, just trying to do it "right".

I know if I tighten down the screw and give the feeder wire a tug, if it doesn't fall out and the screw has not yet bottomed out. I would also conclude it is safe.

Nothing wrong with that. You pretty much covered your options in the first post though. I suppose you could do a back fed main that would accept your smaller wire.

 

[Stuff]

That sheet is from 1998 and they haven't updated it? See what the ratings show on the label that is actually on the panel.