Im installing wiring in a new construction detached garage. I have a ton of 6-3 wire left over from a previous project. I want to use the 6-3 wire for a range, electric water heater and maybe a welder outlet. Is there a problem with using larger wire then what is called for? The 6-3 is much bigger than what is needed for these items. Will it be okay as long as I use the proper amperage breakers for the items? Thanks

Yes!

Hey Wash:

There are two questions and one answer.

The only possible problem can be the minimum and maximum conductor size for the endpoints. As an example, 120 V, 15 or 20 A receptacles which typically use #12 and #14, would not play nice with #6. I'm not suggesting this example as being your scenereo.

Just to clarify, Im plan on using the 6-3 for 240v lines only. For a 40amp range, 30 amp water heater, a welder (unknown amp amount yet). Just wanting to make sure that this wouldn't be a problem thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dennypower

Just to clarify, Im plan on using the 6-3 for 240v lines only. For a 40amp range, 30 amp water heater, a welder (unknown amp amount yet). just wanting to make sure that this wouldnt be a problem thanks

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Its NOT a problem. Running a little larger wire is actually better in a sense. You should be fine.

You may have to Pigtail smaller wires at end(s), # 6 may not fit in 30 Amp Breaker, like mentioned above.

Don't know if you can pigtail in a Brk box where you are from but in Canada it's a no-no.

Florida.
You can down here, However the Breaker can not be larger than the Smallest wire it is protecting.
So if had Had #10 pigtails on the #6, Largest Breaker he can use is 30 Amps.
I see the potential for someone not qualified seeing the #6's and wanting to place on a Larger Breaker. Take Care