6-3 Copper with 10AWG Ground?

[avc8130]

I am wiring my garage with a 60A sub panel from my main. The run is about 65' through my house. I called my inspector and he said 6-3 copper "with a 4th conductor for ground" was acceptable. Lowes/Home Depot both sell 6/3 with a 10AWG ground. Is this acceptable? I was digging in the NEC and I can't find it.
ac

 

[ripsnortMN]

Im no electrician but I would go thicker. I used 6/3 for my welder outlet. Im not sure whats in the ground but it is 100amp capable and its aluminum. My neighbor is an electrician and thats what he told me he put in. The wire was already installed in the ground when we moved in. I would seriously consider putting a wire that will handle 100amps. You won't regret it.

 

[avc8130]

I do NOT want to run any larger wire. 60A will be 100% without a doubt plenty for me in my garage. I have done just fine for 5 years on a single 15A circuit. The only reason for the sub panel is to run the new air compressor since it is 230V.

100A in the garage is insane for my house. I only have 150A service to the whole house. If I used the 100A in the garage I wouldn't even be able to turn my stove on, or run the air conditioner because the MAIN would blow on the house.

60A is going in the garage. 6AWG copper is acceptable per the inspector. He said a 4th leg for ground (which is correct). The question in this thread is:

"Is 10AWG Ground correct?"
ac

 

[nate379]

How is the inpspector saying 6/3 is fine for 60amps when it's only rated to 55amps?

 

[avc8130]

I specifically asked if 6AWG was fine and he said "yes". I think it is common for 6AWG to be allowed for 60A on a subpanel.
ac

 

[35mastr]

This is also what I used 6/3. No problems at all and I used the whole roll from HD. I run my welder and my compressor at different times without any issues.

 

[avc8130]

This is also what I used 6/3. No problems at all and I used the whole roll from HD. I run my welder and my compressor at different times without any issues.

This is exactly my plan if I ever get a large welder before moving. Right now I use a 110 welder if I weld at all (very infrequent, like twice in 5 years).
ac

 

[Rigmaster]

I am wiring my garage with a 60A sub panel from my main. The run is about 65' through my house. I called my inspector and he said 6-3 copper "with a 4th conductor for ground" was acceptable. Lowes/Home Depot both sell 6/3 with a 10AWG ground. Is this acceptable? I was digging in the NEC and I can't find it.
ac

Maybe I'm missing something, but why not ask the inspector if this is OK??

I mean, he's the one who has the final say, so wouldn't it make sense to cut out the middlemen (i.e.- anonymous internet "friends") and just go straight to him?


To be clear, I'm not criticizing other board members or their ideas/opinions, I think this board is great and I've gotten a TON of help and useful info from them. But I don't think I'd want to rely on them for the final word on a decision like this- especially when you have the ability to contact the inspector directly.



Rig

 

[Aceman]

How is the inpspector saying 6/3 is fine for 60amps when it's only rated to 55amps?

Because 240.4(B) allows it as long as the calculated load is under 55 amps.

 

[nate379]

Right, but if you want to run 60 amps I'm going to assume that you want to be able to pull 60amp if need be.

 

[Aceman]

Right, but if you want to run 60 amps I'm going to assume that you want to be able to pull 60amp if need be.

If the original poster wanted to pull the full 60 amps, that's just bad design to max out a panel right from the beginning, don't you think?

 

[avc8130]

I have NOTHING that will pull the full 60A. My compressor will get a 30A circuit. IF that pulls full (which it won't) I will still have 25A leftover. I currently live HAPPILY (with the exception of the compressor) on 15A.
ac

 

[sberry]

For this guy a 60 will be sufficient and likely wont effect the rest of the house, its a simple cable job and likely short. We assume its an attached garage, run it to a 100A main lug panel with 6 spaces, no main needed and its cheap, connect a couple outlets from it, a 240 and couple 120's for running tools and you are good to go. Lots of welding machines now only calling for 20A service.
Different setup than places where labor is hi, runs are long and piping is needed and owner lives in the shop with gobs of power tools, ac and possibly constant air compression. Then 100A or better. Most home garages add very little to the demand factor as the use is so intermittent.

 

[avc8130]

For this guy a 60 will be sufficient and likely wont effect the rest of the house, its a simple cable job and likely short. We assume its an attached garage, run it to a 100A main lug panel with 6 spaces, no main needed and its cheap, connect a couple outlets from it, a 240 and couple 120's for running tools and you are good to go. Lots of welding machines now only calling for 20A service.
Different setup than places where labor is hi, runs are long and piping is needed and owner lives in the shop with gobs of power tools, ac and possibly constant air compression. Then 100A or better. Most home garages add very little to the demand factor as the use is so intermittent.

You are dead on. That is exactly my plan.

60A breaker in current box. Feed 6 slot sub panel. Circuits:
30A 230 for compressor
15A for lights
20A for ceiling outlets
20A GFCI for wall outlets

I do a lot of work in my garage, but none of it is very power intensive. I am usually wrenching on a motorcycle or vehicle. At most I will have compressor, lights and 1 power tool running.
ac

 

[nadogail]

::: I called my inspector and he said 6-3 copper "with a 4th conductor for ground" was acceptable. Lowes/Home Depot both sell 6/3 with a 10AWG ground. Is this acceptable? :::ac

This is the minimum acceptable size. You can always go bigger, but the inspector was telling you the least you can get by with.