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    dennypower's Avatar
    dennypower Posts: 9, Reputation: 0
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    #1

    Apr 7, 2008, 06:10 PM
    Too much wire?
    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
    Washington1's Avatar
    Washington1 Posts: 798, Reputation: 36
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    #2

    Apr 7, 2008, 07:50 PM
    Yes!
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #3

    Apr 7, 2008, 07:58 PM
    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.
    dennypower's Avatar
    dennypower Posts: 9, Reputation: 0
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    #4

    Apr 7, 2008, 08:12 PM
    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
    mr500's Avatar
    mr500 Posts: 181, Reputation: 8
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    #5

    Apr 7, 2008, 08:45 PM
    Quote 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


    Its NOT a problem. Running a little larger wire is actually better in a sense. You should be fine.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #6

    Apr 8, 2008, 07:02 AM
    You may have to Pigtail smaller wires at end(s), # 6 may not fit in 30 Amp Breaker, like mentioned above.
    eric34's Avatar
    eric34 Posts: 56, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Apr 8, 2008, 09:57 AM
    Don't know if you can pigtail in a Brk box where you are from but in Canada it's a no-no.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #8

    Apr 8, 2008, 10:12 AM
    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
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