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    jsr909203's Avatar
    jsr909203 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Feb 15, 2011, 03:14 PM
    Can I use 4 ga welding cable wire to power a 100 amp sub panel?
    I'm trying to power a 100 amp sub-panel and have a spool of "CAROLPRENE (R) WELDING CABLE - 600 VOLT - 4 GA " wire and was wondering if I can use this to reach my goal?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Feb 15, 2011, 03:23 PM
    No, notice the marking on the cable states "Welding Cable".

    First off, a "subpanel" must be fed by a wire fully rated 100 amps, either a #3 copper or a #2 aluminum.

    Second, welding cable is considered as cord, and cannot be used as permanent wiring method.

    #2 SER aluminum cable is very popular for what you need. Some areas require conduit, best to check with local codes to see what is allowed.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #3

    Feb 15, 2011, 06:49 PM
    I believe welding cable is considered "flexible" and as such is not permitted "as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure" NEC 400-8. The AWG may be the same but UL approval would not be the same.
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