What is the 10/3 wire used for?
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With all types of wire it can be confusing, I'm here to discuss one of the more interesting types of wire, 10/3 gauge wire has many advantages. We will discuss these benefits in this post and explain what the 10 3 wire is used for.
Typically, a 10/3 cable comes with three 10-gauge live wires and a 10-gauge ground wire. This means that the 10/3 cable has a total of four wires. This cable is commonly used for 220V four pin sockets. You can find this 10/3 cable in air conditioners, small cookers and electric clothes dryers.
What you need to know about 10/3 gauge wire
If you are not familiar with 10/3 cable, this section may be helpful to you. the 10/3 cable has three different conductive wires and a ground wire. All four wires are 10 gauge.
10 gauge wire is thicker than 14 gauge and 12 gauge wire. Therefore, a 10/3 cable has a thicker wire than a 12/2 cable. Here are some more interesting facts about 10/3-core cables.
As you already know, 10 is the gauge, and 3 is the number of cable cores. This does not include the ground wire. Typically a 10/3 cable comes with two red and black hot wires. White is the neutral wire and green is the ground wire.
Keep in mind: The ground wire does not always have green insulation. Sometimes you end up with bare copper wire.
Difference between 10/3 and 10/2 cable?
As you already know, the 10/3 cable has four cores. But when it comes to 10/2 cable, it only has three wires. These wires consist of a white neutral wire, a green ground wire, and a black live wire. Even though the cable diameter is different, the wire sizes are the same.
What is the 10/3 wire used for??
The 10/3 cable is ideal for 220V, 30 amp outlets. This 220V four pin socket is very useful for electric dryers, air conditioners, ovens and small ovens.
Why are four-pin sockets so special?
These four-pin sockets can be connected to either 120V or 240V circuits. For example, the 120V circuit powers dryer sensors, timers, and other electronics. The 240V circuit powers the heating elements. (1)
Tip: If devices require more than 30 amps, a 10/3 cable is not enough for this outlet. Therefore, use 6/3 or 8/3 type cables. Both 6/3 and 8/3 have thicker wires compared to 10/3.
What is the wire diameter 10/3?
The 10/3 cable is 0.66 inches in diameter. Also, 10 gauge wire is 0.1019 inches in diameter. The diameter of a 10/3 cable is equal to the diameter of four 10 gauge wires, the insulation of those wires, and the cable sheath.
However, if the ground wire is not insulated (bare copper wire), the cable diameter can be reduced accordingly.
Keep in mind: The cable diameter may vary depending on the materials, manufacturer and insulation of the ground wire.
Is 10/3 heavy wire enough for a dryer?
For most dryers, a 10/3 wire is a good option given that the dryer needs 30 amps or less. So, check the amperage before connecting the dryer to the 10/3 cable and make sure the 220V four-pin socket is ready.
Tip: Overcurrent may cause the circuit breaker to trip and sometimes cause a fire. Therefore, always follow the above recommendations when using a 10/3 cable.
Cable voltage drop 10/3
Before connecting the 10/3 cable to the dryer, it is always best to check the voltage drop. Considering the maximum voltage drop of 3%.
For single-phase power supply 120 V, 30 A:
10 AWG wire is capable of carrying 58 feet of current without exceeding voltage drop limits. Try to keep it about 50 feet.
For single-phase power supply 240 V, 30 A:
10 AWG wire is capable of carrying 115 feet of current without exceeding voltage drop limits. Try to keep it about 100 feet.
Open for Voltage drop calculator.
Can 10/3 wire be run underground?
Yes, for underground use 10/3 cable is an excellent choice. However, to run 10/3 cable underground, you will need two things.
- Cable 10/3uF
- conduits
First, if you are planning to bury the wire, you will need several channels. Then buy 10/3 wire with underground feed option. These wires are specially designed for underground use. Usually the UV wires are terminated with a hard thermoplastic. Here are a few important factors to consider when burying 10/3 UF wire.
- Consider voltage drop. it should be below 3%.
- If you are burying wire with pipes, bury them at least 18 inches deep.
- If you are burying wire directly, bury it at least 24 inches.
How many sockets can be put on a 10/3 wire?
Wire 10/3 is rated for 30 amps. However, according to the NEC, you can only configure one 30 amp outlet for a 30 amp circuit.
How many outlets for a 20 amp circuit?
According to the NEC, any given circuit must be subjected to a load of 80% or less. So if we consider this,
Required power per outlet =
Consequently, the
Number of outputs =
In a 20 amp circuit, ten 1.5 amp outlets can be connected.
Summing up
Without a doubt, 10/3 cable is the perfect choice for 30 amp outlets and circuits. But keep in mind, whenever you use a 10/3 cable, take the necessary precautions. You are dealing with a significant amount of electricity. Thus, any miscalculation can lead to a fatal accident. (2)
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- Which wire is from the battery to the starter
- Which wire is hot if both wires are the same color
- white wire positive or negative
Recommendations
(1) heating elements - https://www.tutorialspoint.com/materials-used-for-heating-elements-and-the-causes-of-their-failure
(2) accident - https://www.business.com/articles/workplace-accidents-how-to-avoid-them-and-what-to-do-when-they-happen/
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