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terreneuve · Jan 1, 2009, 08:12 AM

Happy New Year everyone!

I want to install 2 x 5000W fan heaters in my garage.

I need to install a sub panel about 15ft from the electrical room.

The subpanel will only have 2 x30A breakers in it for the heaters but my question is what size breaker do I need in the main panel? Also would 6/3 wire be sufficient between the main panel and subpanel(a 70A Stablok panel)?

Thanks
John

stanfortyman · Jan 1, 2009, 09:49 AM

Yes, 6/3NM cable would be fine to use to feed the sub-panel. You would be limited to a 60A feeder breaker though. IMO that would be fine in your case, and even leave a little room for expansion.

terreneuve · Jan 1, 2009, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

Yes, 6/3NM cable would be fine to use to feed the sub-panel. You would be limited to a 60A feeder breaker though. IMO that would be fine in your case, and even leave a little room for expansion.

Thanks! One last question though - I have 10/3 NM for wiring the heaters and wonder why is it coloured orange - is it a standard colour for heater cable?? I have seen in different size cables you can get blue, black etc..

Might be a stupid question but like everything there has to be a reason!

stanfortyman · Jan 1, 2009, 12:17 PM

In the US smaller NM cable has been coming in colors. This is not a code thing, it is just a manufacturer thing. #14 is still white, but #12 is yellow and #10 is orange.

You in fact do not need 10/3. You can use 10/2 for your straight 240v heater circuits. Although, you spell is colour. Are you in Canada? If so I believe you guys have a special red cable with just a black and red conductors for 240v circuits. I don't know the actual code on this though.

terreneuve · Jan 1, 2009, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

In the US smaller NM cable has been coming in colors. This is not a code thing, it is just a manufacturer thing. #14 is still white, but #12 is yellow and #10 is orange.

You in fact do not need 10/3. You can use 10/2 for your straight 240v heater circuits. Although, you spell is colour. Are you in Canada? If so I believe you guys have a special red cable with just a black and red conductors for 240v circuits. I don't know the actual code on this though.

Canada is right! 10/2 is right -I made a typo. That's correct about the red covered 12/2.

It's funny some words here are spelled differently and vary between provinces(not just Quebec) and also pronounced completely different too!

Our code here is very close to US as are the plumbing and building codes.

I think in Canada for some applications cable color:) is mandatory but some one could probably correct me on that!

Thanks again!
John