30amp rec on 6awg wire

[sherrod624]

I'm wiring up my basement shop in my house. I have some leftover 6-3 that I ran to 2 receptacles in my shop. is there any problem with using it for a 30 amp receptacle as long as I protect it w/ a 30 amp breaker? Or a 40 amp receptacle w/ a 40 amp breaker? Or would I have to mount a small 2 space main lug panel w/ an appropriate breaker if I wanted to use the circuit for anything other than a 50amp receptacle. I'm not sure what I'll plug into it. could be a welder, planer, jointer, oven, plasma, who knows....

 

[wyliesdiesels]

there are no 40a receptacles.

And some of those may use a 50a outlet.

If the 30a outlet is rated for #6 then u can use it. Otherwise u wont be able to fit the #6 in the lug on the outlet. Looks like eaton makes a 6-30r that accepts upto #4...

 

[sherrod624]

but should I match the breaker to the receptacle even though its less than the wire's rated ampacity? I know that the breaker protects the wire and a #6cu is good for 55 amps and goes on a 60 amp breaker but if I were to need to install a 30 amp receptical should I also change the breaker?

and what about when you install a range that requires a 40 amp circuit? do you install a 50 amp rec?

 

[tyme2par4]

Yes, the breaker should be matched to the outlet rating.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

but should I match the breaker to the receptacle even though its less than the wire's rated ampacity? I know that the breaker protects the wire and a #6cu is good for 55 amps and goes on a 60 amp breaker but if I were to need to install a 30 amp receptical should I also change the breaker?

and what about when you install a range that requires a 40 amp circuit? do you install a 50 amp rec?

yes in most cases the breaker should match the outlet.

however, the #10 feeding the lift would be on a 6-30r which would all go with a 30a breaker.

The compressor should be hardwired meaning no outlet and plug