Using #12 XHHW
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Using #12 XHHW
got a 15 amp 2 pole breaker in a 100 amp sub panel in garage, would using 2 to 3 foot of #12 XHHW to feed 3.7 hp air compressor be good enough? and yes i know its a buriable cable but i got like 6 foot of it laying around.
Thanks,
Todd.
Thanks,
Todd.
#2
What is the amperage of the compressor? Is it 120 volts or 240 volts? Being a buriable cable isn't a problem. It is the size of the circuit protection versus the draw of the compressor that must be challenged.
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If it is all black then you can use it for the one or two hot conductors. You are not to remark the color on wire #6 or smaller. Neutral needs to be white or gray, ground needs to be green, green with yellow stripe or bare. The XHHW will need to be in conduit.
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The confusion comes from XHHW is very odd to find in #12 in a cable - the presence of a green and bare with no white is even more peculiar.. In smaller gauges, XHHW is usually sold as individual conductors, therefore needs to go in a conduit. Are you positive it says XHHW?
Can you post a pic of it?
Can you post a pic of it?
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The confusion comes from XHHW is very odd to find in #12 in a cable - the presence of a green and bare with no white is even more peculiar.. In smaller gauges, XHHW is usually sold as individual conductors, therefore needs to go in a conduit. Are you positive it says XHHW?
#12
Some direct burial cable is not for use inside. It does not have the flame retardant covering needed for use inside.
#14
Nassau does make a 3 wire cable like that 12/3 XHHW Tray Cable - COPPER123-XHHW | Nassau National Cable
With all the back and forth we have done, how far is the compressor location from the panel? Will this cable be inside a potential wall (ie, through studs)?
With all the back and forth we have done, how far is the compressor location from the panel? Will this cable be inside a potential wall (ie, through studs)?
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I don't know if it's just the perspective of the pictures, but that looks far larger than #12. It looks easily like #10, possibly #8.
I have never seen a red/black/green/bare cable either. It must be for some specialty control or something...
I have never seen a red/black/green/bare cable either. It must be for some specialty control or something...
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I'm fairly sure that cable is Type TC power cable. It can be used inside. Here's info from Southwire...
"Southwire's Type TC Power Cable is used to supply power to motors, or for connection to other power devices in industrial settings. Primary installations include cable trays, raceways, and outdoor locations where supported by a messenger wire. Type TC Power Cable is listed for direct burial or in underground ducts and for use in Class 1, Division 2 hazardous locations and Class 1 control circuits. These constructions are listed for exposed runs (TC-ER) per NEC 336.10. This cable may be used in wet and dry locations at temperatures not to exceed 90."
I'm thinking the bare wire is a messenger wire or the cable has multiple grounds for some reason.
"Southwire's Type TC Power Cable is used to supply power to motors, or for connection to other power devices in industrial settings. Primary installations include cable trays, raceways, and outdoor locations where supported by a messenger wire. Type TC Power Cable is listed for direct burial or in underground ducts and for use in Class 1, Division 2 hazardous locations and Class 1 control circuits. These constructions are listed for exposed runs (TC-ER) per NEC 336.10. This cable may be used in wet and dry locations at temperatures not to exceed 90."
I'm thinking the bare wire is a messenger wire or the cable has multiple grounds for some reason.
#21
I'm fairly sure that cable is Type TC power cable
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That's probably what it is and there are probably other markings on the cable sheathing we have not seen. Type XHHW conductors by themselves cannot be direct buried.
Tamaqua cable 4/C type TC 3/C #12 XHHW Direct Burial sunlight resistant.
#24
That looks to be power tray wiring. It would be heat and flame resistant. It would perform similar to NM-b as both need to be supported and protected from harm.
You need black, red and green and you have it. The extra bare could be used as an additional ground. I don't see using it for a few feet between the panel and compressor as an issue.
You need black, red and green and you have it. The extra bare could be used as an additional ground. I don't see using it for a few feet between the panel and compressor as an issue.
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That looks to be power tray wiring. It would be heat and flame resistant. It would perform similar to NM-b as both need to be supported and protected from harm.
You need black, red and green and you have it. The extra bare could be used as an additional ground. I don't see using it for a few feet between the panel and compressor as an issue.
~ Pete ~
You need black, red and green and you have it. The extra bare could be used as an additional ground. I don't see using it for a few feet between the panel and compressor as an issue.
~ Pete ~
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I may have missed it somewhere but how are you planning on feeding the compressor with this TC wire? Are you using it to run a circuit to a receptacle outlet?
Edit: I now see you said straight from panel to compressor. The TC needs to be in conduit, can't just run it like it's a cord. Use flex conduit.
Edit: I now see you said straight from panel to compressor. The TC needs to be in conduit, can't just run it like it's a cord. Use flex conduit.