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    Needshelp17's Avatar
    Needshelp17 Posts: 18, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 11, 2014, 09:08 AM
    Wire gauge
    Hello:
    Is there any problem with using a larger gauge wire, say 8, for an electric water heater on a dual pole 30amp breaker? That wire is already run and I didn't want to run a new one.
    Thanks.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #2

    Apr 11, 2014, 09:14 AM
    First, how do you know the cable is an 8 AWG cable? Did you look at the cable, it should be marked with its size on the sheath.

    Now to answer your question, no, there are no problems using a larger cable gauge as long as the connections are made properly.
    Needshelp17's Avatar
    Needshelp17 Posts: 18, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Apr 11, 2014, 09:15 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by donf View Post
    First, how do you know the cable is an 8 AWG cable? Did you look at the cable, it should be marked with its size on the sheath.

    Now to answer your question, no, there are no problems using a larger cable gauge as long as the connections are made properly.
    Thanks Don, the sheath has it marked as 8.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
     
    #4

    Apr 11, 2014, 01:21 PM
    Any larger wire can be used. Make sure they are the same class and temp rating.

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