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-   -   Identifying this wire size in my breaker panel? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=111324)

  • Jul 18, 2007, 10:55 PM
    coyote556
    Identifying this wire size in my breaker panel?
    The wire running to the main breaker in my panel has the following written on the side of the wire. I am trying to figure out what gauge it is. The wire says, "GENERAL CABLE 3 TYPE THW 600V MTW GUARDIANT 090 3 MACHINE TOOL WIRE OIL RESISTANT 60 C"

    Thanks ahead of time.
  • Jul 19, 2007, 01:52 AM
    tkrussell
    Somewhere on the wire should state something like "#14 AWG".
  • Jul 19, 2007, 05:46 AM
    Stratmando
    Wonder if it's a number 3, Do you have about a 125 Amp service?
    The number and size of strands will help determine.
  • Jul 19, 2007, 08:53 AM
    coyote556
    I know it is much larger than #14. It is feeding a 100a main breaker & it has 7 strands.
  • Jul 19, 2007, 09:03 AM
    coyote556
    My aerial line comes from my meter (meter on pole) and ends just before it goes into the conduit on the side of my house. This is where 6 runs of this wire start by being clamped to the end of the aerial line. THe 6 runs go through the conduit and come into the house, where 3 of each feed my two separate 100amp load center panels. I wanted to upgrade one of the panels to 150 amp but I did not know if this wire would handel it. You might wonder why I wante to upgrade when I already have 200 amp service with the two 100 amp panels. Well, the reason is, I would like to install a tankless water heater that requires three, 50 amp breakers. I had considered installing one of the 50amp breakers in one panel and the other two in the other, however I figured if I could upgrade on panel to 150 amp, it could house the two 50 amp breakers and I would be better off.
  • Jul 20, 2007, 07:17 AM
    Stratmando
    1/0 Copper used for 150 Amps, You have a #3 now.

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