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Max breaker size
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Posted by
fotostat (
My Page) on
Fri, Nov 27, 09 at 18:44
| I have a house with an 8-3 direct burial cable ran from the main panel in the house to the garage. In the main panel it's just looped around and taped up, it still needs to be landed on a breaker. In the garage there is just a coil on the wall waiting for a sub panel to be installed.
For this type of cable, what is the max breaker size I could put in the main panel? 40A? I know there are times that you could get 50A with an 8 gauge conductor, I'm just not sure when. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Max breaker size
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| Depends on what kind of cable it is. If it's UF you're stuck with 40A, if it's USE it's 50A, USE-2 55A. Assuming that it's all copper. |
RE: Max breaker size
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RE: Max breaker size
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If this is a detached garage it might not pass inspection. I have heard of some inspectors rejecting a sub panel in a detached structure if it is not minimum 60 amp. 8/3 is only good for 40 amp.
I don't think it is a problem if it within the same structure. |
RE: Max breaker size
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| It's detached. The line was already run when I bought the place, I'm not digging it (and the expensive landscaping and cement work) up to replace it with a bigger cable. 40 Amps 240V is PLENTY for my uses. I'll call up and ask about any minimum size. If there is, then they'll lose out on their permit fee. |
RE: Max breaker size
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| The disconnect/panel at the detached structure needs to be at least 60A, but it can be fed from a 40A breaker, so you should have no problem, as long as the wire is 8/3 with ground. You will need a ground rod at the detached structure. |
RE: Max breaker size
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| Thanks normel, that'll work! Another code issue that makes no sense, but at least I'm compliant so there won't be any issue. |
RE: Max breaker size
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