6 AWG Issues

[Ramper]

I am having issues getting 6 AWG wire to fit into a 50 amp outlet and under the screw terminals on a 10 kW heater. I want to use the 6 AWG versus 8 AWG because: 1) I have LOTS of 8 AWG I picked up at an auction (both NM and cord) and 2) to get the best transfer of current.

Can I use a bootlace ferrule on 120 volt circuits?

 

[Norcal]

Those ferrules are made for more finely stranded wire. Really can't see why 6 AWG won't fit a 50A receptacle, only guess may be how it's being done.

 

[Ramper]

I can not seem to get the wires wrapped up tight enough to fit under/into the holes and then tighten down the set screws. It misspoke as the wire (NM) to the outlet is solid and has no issues. The issues are with the 6/3 cord and the 50 amp plug and the terminal block in the heater. It is a 10kW heater

 

[Marctrees]

Going on the assumption #8 is suitable, just clip off a few strands to get you down to an #8 equivalent.

But wait - Better answer...

If you twist the end REALLY super tight, the diameter may actually increase.

Cut off the end, restrip, and gently twist, then try to insert again.

Like Norcal sed - it should go in.

Marc

 

[tyme2par4]

Don't cut strands. That's never a good solution. Try cutting it back and inch and restrip it. If you are using decent strippers, you shouldn't even have to touch the strands. The wire should still be neatly twisted. If it still doesn't fit, there may be a problem with the plug. Are you sure the terminal screws are loosened all the way?
Usually terminals are upsized at least 1 wire size to allow larger conductor to prevent voltage drop.
Ferrules aren't going to make your diameter any smaller unless you have a good crimp tool. Even then, it's going to be minimal.
Do you have a picture so we can see what you're working with?

 

[rlitman]

Yes, if this is fine stranded cord, tight twisting will make the diameter increase. You want a gentle DNA helix of a twist on it. I'd say that for a typical 5/8" stripped end, I get maybe 1/4 of a twist on the wire. And then you have to play the "Operation" game of getting the wire in the hole without touching the sides and bending strands. You do it enough, and you get the knack of it.

Is it a problem with the terminal block holes being drilled too small? Maybe you could pigtail from the block instead.

 

[Marctrees]

What is wrong w cutting a few strands, if necessary, when the wire is oversized ?? Marc

 

[Norcal]

Fingers & hands needs to be cut off for cutting strands of wire. Not a proper practice.

 

[Marctrees]

I disagree.

Although I have done it only a few times in my life.

IF the wire is oversize for any reason, such as to reduce volt drop on a long run, I see nothing wrong with it, and would like to hear why.

It no different than pigtailing a smaller conductor at a terminal to a larger one for the bulk of a run.

Again, to be ultra clear - The remaining uncut still needs to be of sufficient size for the ckt protection. Marc

 

[Ramper]

I will cut back and try to twist it better

 

[ard]

Put hair around it- should slip right in....

 

[rlitman]

Put hair around it- should slip right in....

I can see it now.
My wife asks me "Honey, why are you following me around with a pair of tweezers?" And all I can say is "Um, because I have a problem with a stranded wire in a terminal."

 

[Dragfluid]

I can see it now.
My wife asks me "Honey, why are you following me around with a pair of tweezers?" And all I can say is "Um, because I have a problem with a stranded wire in a terminal."

Better answer: "The guys on the forum told me to!"


#6 goes in a 50 amp rec just fine. I've got 3 of them with it.

 

[Marctrees]

Put hair around it- should slip right in....

Took me two days, now I finally got it.

Marc

 

[Speedy Petey]

Put hair around it- should slip right in....

Wow, that joke is older than you or me, and more immature.

 

[Speedy Petey]

I disagree.

Great. You are still wrong.

It is extremely hack. Don't try to justify this because you did it a few times and it worked.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I disagree.

Although I have done it only a few times in my life.

IF the wire is oversize for any reason, such as to reduce volt drop on a long run, I see nothing wrong with it, and would like to hear why.

It no different than pigtailing a smaller conductor at a terminal to a larger one for the bulk of a run.

Again, to be ultra clear - The remaining uncut still needs to be of sufficient size for the ckt protection. Marc

Do you use crimp terminals on solid wire, too?

Tommy

 

[pattenp]

One reason not to trim stranded wire is the non terminated strands can cause arcing (hot spot) at the connection. Plus it's a violation of 110.14(A), which requires that wire connections to terminals is made without damaging the conductors.

 

[manwithtools]

Depending on the terminal design on that outlet, it may not be rated for fine strand wire without or with the use of a ferrule. This is a complicated issue with lot's of opinions. If you need to use ferrules, you need the proper tool - they are not cheap for ones that work well.

As to the suggestion to trim strands, I'm not sure what to respond to that with other than: "Don't' do that". Anyone with more than a few weeks on the job knows better than that.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I disagree.

Although I have done it only a few times in my life.

IF the wire is oversize for any reason, such as to reduce volt drop on a long run, I see nothing wrong with it, and would like to hear why.

It no different than pigtailing a smaller conductor at a terminal to a larger one for the bulk of a run.

Again, to be ultra clear - The remaining uncut still needs to be of sufficient size for the ckt protection. Marc

*facepalm*

Horrible hack practice.

Just because you did it doesnt make it right.

And no way in hell is it the same as pigtailing.

A good reason why not too-

Just how would you know how many strands to cut? How many strands do you need to carry the current?

No way you can answer that.

No one knows because it has never been tested.

This is hack work. Please dont give advice like that.

IF the wire doesnt fit in the terminal, lug etc then the terminal isnt listed for that size wire and another terminal listed for the correct size wire should be acquired. Really not that hard. People who cut strands because the wire doesnt fit are lazy (no offense) and are too cheap to buy the right size terminals.

Cutting strands sets up a potential fire hazard.

And if youre licensed and do this kind of hack work and a fire happens as a result of your negligent hack work, you better have money for a good lawyer...

 

[CNGsaves]

In a similar analogy . . . .
. . . .
. . . . . . . NEVER, Ever, NEVER . . . .
. .
. . . . . . . . . . . Trim part of your pecker off to fit in a tight woman !! . . . . . .

 

[wyliesdiesels]

In a similar analogy . . . .
. . . .
. . . . . . . NEVER, Ever, NEVER . . . .
. .
. . . . . . . . . . . Trim part of your pecker off to fit in a tight woman !! . . . . . .

LMFAO

 

[ard]

Wow, that joke is older than you or me, and more immature.

For sure. I was hoping it would get a chuckle and no more....

Prolly heard that in a shop 40 years ago, when I was 15.... funny then.