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6 AWG for 50A circuit??

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21K views 48 replies 20 participants last post by  nrp3  
#1 · (Edited)
I'm installing a car charger circuit. The specs for the car charger say 50A breaker, 40A operating current and 6AWG wire. The Tesla Car Charger spec is attached. This is a 25' run.

2014 NEC table 310.15(B)(16) says 8 AWG THHN 90C will support 55A
The Southwire I buy at Home Depot is THHN 90C.

Note that 125% of 40A operating current is 50A which can be met by 8 AWG THHN 90C wire.

I've also seen this "discrepancy" in DYI and other electrical forums.

Am I missing something? Why do I keep seeing 6 AWG required for 40A circuits?

It also looks like there may be an inrush issue here because of the 50A breaker required for an operating current of 40A. Maybe this is adding to my confusion.

Anyway, I estimated for 6AWG but would rather pull 8AWG through the 3/4" conduit.
 

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#2 ·
swimmer -

I think that #6AWG Copper is a requirement in this case because based on the document that is what the manufacturer requires ( NEC 110.3(B) ), regardless if the code book were to indicate something smaller is adequate.

Setting aside the listing requirement in order to use the 90C column all terminations need to be listed as being rated for 90C. This is rarely the case. Many components are only listed for 75C or even 60C.

Cheers!

Jim
 
#4 ·
swimmer -

I think that #6AWG Copper is a requirement in this case because based on the document that is what the manufacturer requires ( NEC 110.3(B) ), regardless if the code book were to indicate something smaller is adequate.

BINGO!

Setting aside the listing requirement in order to use the 90C column all terminations need to be listed as being rated for 90C. This is rarely the case. Many components are only listed for 75C or even 60C.

BINGOX2! NEC 110.14 (C)(1)


Cheers!

Jim
Use caution when using the 90deg column.
 
#9 ·
I always use #6 for 50 amp Tesla charger outlets.
The cost between # 8 and #6 would be very minimal for '25'

Agree with you 100%.
I thought everybody would use #6 awg for this.
 
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#8 ·
#8 is good for 50 amps as long as it isn't nm cable or se cable. You can use the 75C if the thhn is install in a raceway, the panelboard is rated 75C and the breaker is rated 75C. Unless this is a really old panel #8 would work.

How long is the run? The specs may call for #6 because they are using the worst case scenario--NM cable. In that case it must be #6. If it is very near the panel then just run #6-- a few bucks different
 
#25 ·
This is a branch circuit. Look at table 210.24. It doesn't matter the wiring method. 50 amp branch circuits require #6 copper. If you have a wiring method @75C, it still needs number #6 copper for a branch circuit. Use 310.15 (b)(16) to determine the allowable ampacity of your conductor, nothing more. 310.15 (b)(16) is the most abused table in the NEC IMO.
 
#28 ·
I would not deem the Tesla connection a branch circuit:

It's unique and ONLY connects to Tesla road machines.

There's only the one Tesla specific device on the circuit.

So, I'd have to deem it a device specific circuit with device specific installation instructions.

&&&&

Romex is so MUCH easier to install than pipe & wire that #6 in Romex is going to be the lowest cost install versus #8 in EMT.

It won't even be a close calculation.

In new construction, hereabouts, the Service is set as a semi-flush panel in the exterior wall of an integral garage. The length of run to the Tesla port, if spec'd ( never would happen in tract housing ) would be trivially short. Romex in #6 would be the norm in such an instance.

As an after-the-build installation I would expect to see surface mounted EMT as standard. Hereabouts, our walls are all closed up -- even the garages. In which case, #8 THWN-2 within EMT would be expected. Hereabouts, exposed Romex is flatly prohibited -- even if it's up inside the rough framing and overhead, and the reason why even garages are fully 'rocked in.'
 
#29 ·
A device specific circuit is still a branch circuit right? I've never heard that term, device specific. Most say dedicated circuit, the code says individual branch circuit.

New construction in California has several specific requirements for car chargers. IIRC, a 1" conduit with all junctions/pull bodies in readily accessible spaces unbroken from a panel with enough ampacity for 240v 60A (I think) to a jbox in the garage. Oh, and two spaces in the panel it comes from has to be labeled "Provisional EVCS" or some wording to that effect. Same label for the garage j box.