Check out some similar questions!

Honduras Bob · Mar 31, 2007, 06:03 PM

The other day, I read where a supposedly Electrician, could not find the size wire he needed, i.e., # 2 Copper, for, from meter to Fuse panel.. and, this guy told the owner, he could put one or two, of a smaller size, tie them togather to create a larger size wire to carry the heavier load.. the owner got concerned and, I think, fired the guy, and probably hired a real Electrician... I thnk I would have done the same..

Now, I am in a similar boat.. In Honduras where, althou avialiable, very expensive..

Question here: I have a 500 ft of copper/ # 6 that I have wired for stove, dryer and Water heater, and 500 ft left over.. Can I actually put this stuff togather, to create the more amp size I need, for the 100 ft run from Fuse panel, to meter, in conduit. And be safe that I have the correct size to carry the load.. just bought a Square D, 31 or so, fuse panel, 150 amp main breaker.. any advise on this one, except, hire a new electrician, and don't do it yourself... Thanx. B Slagle, the Honduran self made electrician..

tkrussell · Mar 31, 2007, 07:19 PM

In the USA, the NEC will not allow any wire smaller than #1 to be paralleled.

In Honduras, what code is is effect there?

The NEC will be the international standard someday.

Honduras Bob · Apr 1, 2007, 05:09 AM

Thanks for your response,

There is no standard or code here, But as you say, someday, some know it all Electric co mag purchase this one, then inspect everyone, and then, it they want electricity, water, etc.. correct the problems, or else.. that's why I am trying to put this togather as close to correct as I can.. thanx again.. If ever on a south journey, come see me..

tkrussell · Apr 1, 2007, 06:30 AM

So su casa, me casa? Not sure I want to. I been to DR, and I wonder how people are not dropping like flies with the wiring I seen. Good thing most of their modest homes are all concrete block. Even thou the resort I stayed at was modern, I still found issues, like post lights missing along the walkways with bare wires sticking out of the ground.

As far as code and paralleling, I gave the minimum the code here allows. Electrically, paralleling any wire will of course work. Since the current flow will divide exactly in half onto to each wire, or try to,paralleling wiring must be two wires of the same material, and length to be sure the impedance is exactly the same in both wires.

Otherwise the current can be a bit lower in one wire and higher in another. It is the wire with the higher current that is of concern. With small wires and not much room for error, high current can cause heating effects, and this is what code is trying to eliminate.

If a #6 wire can handle 50 amps, paralleling two will give 100 amp capacity. If the length is not exact, one will carry 40 and the other 60 amps. A bit exaggerated, but to show the point of no room for error.

Thou the code can seem a bit conservative, and some people may think that a bunch of no nothing suits guessed at some the sizes and rating, and there are some that think the code is strictly written by manufacturers to promote their product, believe me, the code has been written and changed more by trial and error over the years.