#6 NM wire in 1/2" hole?

So, what's the tons or BTU that needs such a big wire?

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I think Gfre might be on to something when he suggested it might also have resistance electric heat and maybe that's why the need for #6. If the OP gives the make and model we could probably find the specs and install intructions and I'd like to take a look. I'm still skeptical that a mini-split could really need #6. As I said, my 5 ton central AC uses #8, but being AC only, it doesn't have any resistance heat.

OP had been providing some info, but now I sense some resistance. We'll have to amp it up a bit.

Though your A/C is not likely to draw anywhere near 50 amps continuously, it will have a very high initial startup current.

By using #6 wire the voltage drop should be minimal.

Hi Theodore,

You can enlarge the 1/2" punch outs to accept a 3/4" cable clamp.

The ideal way to do this is with a knockout punch, but they tend to be rather expensive for a one time job. Step drills will also work, but they're almost as expensive as a knockout punch.

I went through this recently with my garage heater and used a metal nibbler to enlarge the hole. You can see photos on this page ("Relocating the power cord" about halfway down the page):

Be sure to turn off the main breaker before you start working in the panel, and vacuum up any little metal bits that may fall inside the panel.

Good luck!

Anthony Watson

r and #6 AWG (although I shudder to think that it'll actually use that much , with a 16 SEER).

rts" online that say 1/2" conduit can only have 2 #6 wires, so rules are th ere to keep me safe and I'm fine with that.

It's also minimal with #8 and the percent voltage drop difference between #6 and #8 is insignificant. Which is why you can wire even a

snipped-for-privacy@snyder.on.ca wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

That's not all you missed, and no, your reply is not corrected, it's still wrong because you're still missing the main point that whether the cable physically fits or not is meaningless. The ONLY thing that counts is whether the connector is listed for such use.

The main reason for emphasizing the distinction is so that newbies are not mislead by your incorrect post into thinking that -- for example -- because they can fit three 14-2 cables in a standard Romex connector it must be OK to do so.

snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@googlegroups.com:

Do you really need 6-3 cable, though? Or will 6-2 suffice?

Another good point. Would be a shame to pay for 3 conductors and then wind up not even having a place to connect one. I'd be curious to learn the make/model of this beast so we can see the install instructions. I'm still skeptical of 6 gauge for a mini-split.

I am sure you can but if the mfg says #6 I'd just go with what they say.

Per Ohm's Law, to increase the current you will need to raise the voltage.

Well, figuring a static load. What did you say? I can't hear you with all that static.

Hi, I'm the OP. The unit is a Sea Breeze SMZ42H46ZOGX. The instruction manual and even the promo literature explicitly calls out a 6AWG Stranded 3 Conductor cable, with a 50amp breaker.

Weird thing is that of the 3 conductors, it appears to send one to ground (

Do you agree?

Yes you have a 4 conductor cable, you only need 3 (6-2 wg)

When I look this up I do see where the manual says you need 6 ga wire but it also says "Minimum circuit ampacity 26a" which would be 10 gauge copper according to the NEC. It really sounds like the chinese book writer does not understand the electrical code.

Does the label on the outside unit say "26a" on the minimum circuit ampacity line? Maximum over current protection probably says "50a"

Sounds like you're suggesting they overcompensated, but I will not be so bold as to disregard a specification that explicitly says use 6AWG with a 50Amp breaker. From the literature:

Rated Voltage & Frequency and Phase :208-230 / 1PH Min./ Max. Operating Voltage :187 / 253 VAC Circuit Breaker Size (A): 50 Min. Circuit Ampacity (A): 26 Wiring (Outdoor unit to Power Disconnect): 3C- 6 AWG (minimum)

It's strictly a heat pump/AC. No resistance heat that I can see on the specs.

If the label on the unit says this, an electrical inspector will accept 10 ga wire. I doubt he would ever look at your book.

You certainly never get in trouble spending more money on wire tho, as long as the box and the raceway (if used) is big enough

Ok here is the logic The manufacturer probably specified a 50 amp breaker to reduce trips during the startup inrush. You all know an a/c has a large inrush current. Now if you are using a 50 amp breaker you MUST use #6ga or larger wire to be safe and meet code. The breaker and wire size must match to be safe. But it does seem the directions were confusing re the number of conductors needed.

Mark