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-   -   ***CLOSED THREAD***aluminium wires in the cold (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=180713)

  • Feb 5, 2008, 03:40 PM
    johnny 5
    ***CLOSED THREAD***aluminium wires in the cold
    I need to know how much amperage I can run through a number 2gauge wire aluminium in temperatures under 20 degrees F
  • Feb 5, 2008, 03:59 PM
    tkrussell
    May I ask why?
  • Feb 5, 2008, 04:43 PM
    Stratmando
    Good question, Are you talking, to code, or actual ability?
  • Feb 5, 2008, 07:43 PM
    Washington1
    I often is it below 20 degrees?
  • Feb 5, 2008, 08:08 PM
    ballengerb1
    ComEd does it all the time, just under 100 amps. Is this a science experiment or an electrical installation.
  • Feb 5, 2008, 09:39 PM
    hvac1000
    # 2 Aluminum will take more than 100 amps if it is in free air.
  • Feb 6, 2008, 08:22 AM
    johnny 5
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Stratmando
    Good question, Are you talking, to code, or actual ability?

    Natural ability would be the answer I am looking for
  • Feb 6, 2008, 08:27 AM
    johnny 5
    Maximum amps on a number 2 gauge aluminium in 20F
    Maximum amperage
  • Feb 6, 2008, 08:32 AM
    ballengerb1
    According to home building code or according to the wire manufacturer?
  • Feb 6, 2008, 08:50 AM
    tkrussell
    Asking the same question again will get you nowheres.

    Why not answer the questions that have been asked?

    Why are you asking?

    What do you mean by "natural ability"?

    Please answer these questions, and the questions asked by others so that you can get the proper accurate answer, or I will have no choice but to close this post.
  • Feb 6, 2008, 11:44 AM
    johnny 5
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Washington1
    I often is it below 20 degrees?

    it is all the time in 20 degree F
  • Feb 6, 2008, 11:47 AM
    johnny 5
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Stratmando
    Good question, Are you talking, to code, or actual ability?

    Actual ability at that temperature under 20 fahrenheit
  • Feb 6, 2008, 11:48 AM
    ballengerb1
    Johnny, I think you are under the impression that you can ignore Kevins warning earlier today. Read all the posts and answer all the questions people have asked or we are done here.
  • Feb 6, 2008, 12:20 PM
    johnny 5
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tkrussell
    Asking the same question again will get you nowheres.

    Why not answer the questions that have been asked?

    Why are you asking?

    What do you mean by "natural ability"?

    Please answer these questions, and the questions asked by others so that you can get the proper accurate answer, or I will have no choice but to close this post.

    You're the electrical expert I would like to know how much amperage can flow in a number 2 gauge wire aluminium under 20 degrees fahrenheit
  • Feb 6, 2008, 02:12 PM
    johnny 5
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tkrussell
    Asking the same question again will get you nowheres.

    Why not answer the questions that have been asked?

    Why are you asking?

    What do you mean by "natural ability"?

    Please answer these questions, and the questions asked by others so that you can get the proper accurate answer, or I will have no choice but to close this post.

    Number 2gauge aluminium is resistant to 140 amps just wanted to know how much more in cold weather meaning under 20 F
  • Feb 6, 2008, 02:14 PM
    johnny 5
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by johnny 5
    your the electrical expert i would like to know how much amperage can flow in a number 2 gauge wire aluminium under 20 degrees fahrenheit

    Do you know the answer or not
  • Feb 6, 2008, 02:47 PM
    tkrussell
    I may be an expert, but not a mind reader.

    I did the best I can do to get information from you, with no results, only the same question with no detail.

    The reason we need more info is there will be two conditions that wire can be subjected to a certain temperature,
    #1- overhead, such as pole to pole, or
    #2-in a conduit that is subjected to a certain temperature.

    A very important issue in addition to where the wire is located is the type of insulation on the wire. Each different insulation materials have different high temperature limitations that will limit the ampacity, and just because the wire may be in a colder climate does not mean the wire can handle more current.

    These conditions pertain to the National Electric Code, and what the wire can be rated at in certain conditions as related to building wiring.

    So, in an effort to answer you, and since this forum is related to answering questions about electrical in buildings primarily, I will provide some answers under that context:

    Bare #2 aluminum (in free air obviously) can handle 163 amps
    #2 Al with 90 Deg C insulation in free air can handle 156 amps
    #2 Al with 90 Deg C insulation in conduit can handle 104 amps

    If this is not the context that your question relates to, then get back with more detail as originally requested.
  • Feb 6, 2008, 02:56 PM
    Washington1
    Johnny,

    Conductors installed in lower ambient temperatures are a positive.

    A #2 Alum conductor will carry 100 amps if your install allows you to use T. 310.15(B)(6) or 90Amps--using T.310.16. Note: Depending on the install, the allowable amps could be lower or higher.
  • Feb 6, 2008, 03:02 PM
    tkrussell
    I noticed this arrogant, impatient comment:

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by johnny 5
    do you know the answer or not

    That was posted as I was typing my answer, giving as much detail as I could speculate without knowing any more detail to help clarify the original question.

    This is clearly a homework question, and this thread is closed.

    Any further similar questions by this poster will be deleted promptly.

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