|
Sat, Jun 9, 12 at 20:51
| We all know that a 12-2 wire is rated for 20 amps for house wiring. How much current could two 12 -2 gauge wires running in parallel for about 25 feet carry. Assuming all connections are up to code? |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| "Assuming all connections are up to code" 0 |
|
- Posted by shadetree_bob (My Page) on Mon, Jun 11, 12 at 21:35
| I should have known better than to ask a question like this here among all the "experts". I should have said all connections are tight and secure. What I wanted to know was how to answer some one that asked me this as strictly a theoretical question. There is no intent to use something like this in any building wiring of any type. No hidden meaning or plans to use this anywhere, just a simple question. If one wire will carry 20 amps, will two of the same size in parallel theoretically have double the capacity. I did not realize that I had to lower the question to a fifth grade level to get any sort of simple answer. |
|
| didn't get what you wanted so you're going to be an ass hole? You internet tough guys are so awesome... Seems pretty detailed for a strictly theoretical question if you know the distance it would be. This isn't an electrical theory forum or a play to get scab advice, go play tough guy somewhere else. |
|
- Posted by ronnatalie (My Page) on Mon, Jun 11, 12 at 22:39
| The current rating on wires is based on the rules involving the heat dissipation, etc... there's NO WAY to answer your question. There's no way to guarantee that small gauge NM is going to be balanced enough to support larger currents in parallel. In an ideal situation, the resistance of paralleled conductors is halved, which means you can carry twice the current for the same voltage drop. However, there are more issues to ampacity than just DC resistance. |
|
- Posted by petey_racer (My Page) on Mon, Jun 11, 12 at 23:52
| shadetree_bob, your second post in this thread is completely unwarranted and makes you look like a jerk. And believe me, I know about looking like a jerk. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Electrical Wiring Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.