Wiring and single load kwh meter code\safety questions

[paulmars]

Im installing another circuit in garage.
For a 240vac 26a pottery kiln.
When on it will run at full load (26a) for up to 10 hours at a time.
I asked what safety factor they used. They said none, that it pulls a full 26a.
They recommend a 30a breaker.
I have a spare 30 dbl for my panel,so that would be good,but is 30 really enough?
I will need x' of wire.
Mounting wire on (not in) garage inside wall.
What type & gauge wire?
Does code requires Conduit and if so why?
Id need to install a Kwh meter for the kiln. I see so many for sale 8 to 25$. I'm not sure if any are decent quality. I also see house meters used tested guaranteed for 25 to 40$. But then Id need a box too and think maybe I'm going over kill doing that.

Your thoughts?

Tks,
Paul

 

[mike93lx]

Constant loads should have circuits sized for 80% derating, so 26/0.80=32.5
If they say 30a breaker, I'd do that, but I would up size from #10.

Conduit is needed if the wire is subject to damage or if you are in a jurisdiction that requires it, like Chicago

Why do you need a meter? Something like an Emporia vue would let you track usage and can handle that load no problem

 

[BillK]

Are you sure it actually runs at 26 amps continuosly ? I would think it would get up to temperature and then cycle on and off to keep at temp. One of my friends Wife has a ceramic kiln and knowing him it is plugged into his welder outlet when needed

 

[paulmars]

Oops i meant to post the footage. Measures 25, so lets say 3o to be safe.

It does cycle some,but mostly on.

 

[paulmars]

It's discontinued,but manufacturer says 26. There is no plate on it.

 

[paulmars]

If it trips the breaker and i have to get a 35 or 40, then what gauge and type wire I need?

 

[mike93lx]

25' coils are commonly available. I'd try to measure it out with a string and see if you can make it work

8/2 nm-b for a 40. I'd do 8/2 and a 30, to align with their spec

 

[Zeke]

8/2 on a 30A breaker sounds good. But you want to know how to install this. It will need to be in a conduit if on the surface. Will you hard wire the kiln or does it have a plug? This is a whole 'nother discussion.

If wire in conduit you will use stranded.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

why do you need a meter?

 

[paulmars]

It has 6awg cord and 50amp 3 prong plug. Manufacturer says they must have been replaced. Im concerned that this might pull more then 26.

To track power used.

Why stranded wire in conduit.

From what i read even if it only pulls 26, that breaker could over heat if not x 1.25

 

[paulmars]

I just measured kiln resistance on highest setting. 9.3 ohms makes for 25.8 amps. 26 x 1.25 is 32.5. so a 35 amp breaker. So 25' of 8awg. Thwn, use or any 8 awg?

 

[mike93lx]

If in conduit, thhn or xhhw.

 

[pattenp]

Cost wise I'd use 6-6 w/g Aluminum SER. I believe #6 is the smallest two wire SER you can get. If the cable is installed in an area that it may be subject to possible damage just sleeve it in conduit or run it along the side of a running board.

 

[paulmars]

Could i use "8 AWG Copper 2 Conducter Black & White w/10 AWG Ground Wire"?

Is alum cheaper?

 

[mike93lx]

Could i use "8 AWG Copper 2 Conducter Black & White w/10 AWG Ground Wire"?

Is alum cheaper?

Aluminum is cheaper, but requires going up at least one wire gauge. So #8 copper or #6 aluminum.

Copper
https://www.wireandcableyourway.com/8-2-w-g-nm-b-wire-black

Aluminum

6-6 Aluminum SER Cable w/ 6AWG Ground

6-6 Aluminum SER Cable w/ #6 ground. This building wire is cut to length and sold by the foot. All of our wire and cable products ship fast.

www.wireandcableyourway.com

 

[paulmars]

This?

 

[paulmars]

Copper
https://www.wireandcableyourway.com/8-2-w-g-nm-b-wire-black

Aluminum

6-6 Aluminum SER Cable w/ 6AWG Ground

6-6 Aluminum SER Cable w/ #6 ground. This building wire is cut to length and sold by the foot. All of our wire and cable products ship fast.

www.wireandcableyourway.com

Site wont let me add either to cart, so I dont kno shipping.ill try on computer later

 

[mike93lx]

Yes. That price is concerning cheap

 

[mike93lx]

Site wont let me add either to cart, so I dont kno shipping.ill try on computer later

I'd assume about $20

 

[paulmars]

This

 

[mike93lx]

This

No!

That is underground feeder. It will technically work, but it is unnecessarily difficult to work with

 

[wyliesdiesels]

you dont need UF-B (the gray cable)