Wiring for 220 size, length & ground question.

[ybnormal70]

I have a few questions for the electricians out there.

I have a 60' wall that has my circuit panel at the very beginning. I am wanting to put 3 Nema 6-50r on the wall. The first will be a dedicated circuit a few feet from the box. The other 2 I would like to run on a single circuit. I am using 3/4" emt. That limits me from running 2 separate circuits because of fill % since I am planning on using #6 thhn for the hots and I need to know what size ground would work for this? Should I go down to #8 and just run 2 circuits or what?

The max length of the longest run would be about 40-45'. This work will be inspected and we go by the 2012 IRC code. I've tried getting a hold of one of the inspectors but only get a voicemail and no return calls.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[alfredeneuman]

#8 is rated for 50 amps when installed in conduit (as opposed to Romex)

If you decide to run the ground, it only needs to a #10 (up to 60 amps). The EMT is technically allowed to serve as the ground without a ground wire.

 

[ybnormal70]

Ok thanks. So I can run 4 #8 thhn hots and 1 #10 thhn ground in my 3/4" emt and only be at 31% of my max 40% fill.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[ybnormal70]

Progress so far. I have only installed 1 220 outlet at this point.

Kevin

 

[ybnormal70]

Considering that I have never done anything like this before, I think I am doing very well. I have bent all the conduit myself and installed everything except for the fuse panel and the first outlet, 1 light and switch. Here are some of the before shots and some pics of the tools I'm using. Also a pic of my rolling wire cart that I made.

Kevin

 

[Aceman]

Is that a subpanel?

 

[ybnormal70]

It is the main 200amp service panel.

Kevin

 

[Aceman]

Where is your grounding electrode conductor? This is the wire that runs to your ground rods, or a water pipe, rebar, etc.

Also, ditch the white wire on the breaker. Use black #8 instead.

I can't tell in the pics, but you need a grounding pigtail connected to the back of each of those receptacle boxes.

 

[ybnormal70]

All of the boxes have a ground attached to them. Not sure where the ground from outside goes, but it is attached to the rebar in the foundation and to 2 grounding rods. Can I leave the white and just label the ends with red tape? Or is relabeling white this way not allowed?

Anything else I should check on?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[alfredeneuman]

That's a good job. I've had 4th year apprentices that wouldn't do near that.
(The grounding jumper in the box should be #10 as well)

 

[ybnormal70]

#10 for the ground? Everything is #12 for the 20 amp circuits. Is this not correct?

Thanks,

Kevin

P.S. Thanks very much for the compliment!!!

 

[alfredeneuman]

That's correct, with the 50amp circuits, the grounds need to be #10 all the way.
With the 20amp circuits, a #12 grounding conductor is fine.

 

[pattenp]

#12 is correct for the ground in a 20A circuit.

#10 for the ground? Everything is #12 for the 20 amp circuits. Is this not correct?

Thanks,

Kevin

P.S. Thanks very much for the compliment!!!

 

[pattenp]

Technically with individual wires the wire should be the correct color. Labeling a white as an ungrounded conductor it allowed if part a cable such as NM.

All of the boxes have a ground attached to them. Not sure where the ground from outside goes, but it is attached to the rebar in the foundation and to 2 grounding rods. Can I leave the white and just label the ends with red tape? Or is relabeling white this way not allowed?

Anything else I should check on?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[Aceman]

All of the boxes have a ground attached to them. Not sure where the ground from outside goes, but it is attached to the rebar in the foundation and to 2 grounding rods. Can I leave the white and just label the ends with red tape? Or is relabeling white this way not allowed?

Anything else I should check on?

Thanks,

Kevin

The ground in your meterbase is fine. I'm used to bringing into the panel only, but it's because our power companies over here don't want any grounds in the meterbase, but it's a local thing, not an NEC code.

Also, you can't relabel that white wire. You need to use some other color besides white, gray, or green.

 

[ybnormal70]

Ok thanks. I will fix that.

Just wanted to make sure. Anyone else have any idea on the ground question I was asked earlier about the ground coming into the building? (I see Aceman just answered this).

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[ybnormal70]

I am planning on running my 220 circuit right above my 110 circuit down the wall. Is there any regulation to the spacing between the boxes from the separate circuits? Do they have to be connected, is touching ok or is there a certain distance they need to be spaced? I am planning on mounting the new boxes directly over/touching the existing boxes.

Thanks again,

Kevin

 

[ybnormal70]

Can anyone answer my last question?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[Aceman]

You can mount the boxes as close together as you want. Just remember the raised covers overhang a little bit so you probably want at least a 1/4" gap between them.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

You can mount the boxes as close together as you want. Just remember the raised covers overhang a little bit so you probably want at least a 1/4" gap between them.

 

[ybnormal70]

Thanks. I ended up kind of staggering them a few inches a part.

Kevin