wire size

[gmj811]

Nordyne Package P5RD-036k w/ 10kW heat strip MCA 52 amps MOP 60 amps recommended wire size #8 shouldn't it be #6

[dandyme]

who recommends # 8

it'll work, not necessarily the preferred wire size

i believed in pulling to the max, fuse to the minimum.....

[gmj811]

OEM install guide

[Gunslinger]

do a google search for ampacity. You can pull 55 amps with #8

[Willserve]

Breaker size is suppose to match wire amp rating. 60 amp breaker requires #6 wire.

[ZeroTolerance]

Use #6. You can always go bigger but not smaller. Go too big and the lug won't accept the wire size. With a 60amp breaker you should never go smaller than a #6 EVER!

[jodybhvac]

I would go with a 6. If you ever added 5 kw you would still be safe. A heavier wire will also make it easier to sleep at night.....

[simplyrollin]

It really depends on the quality of the wire (amount of insulation it has around it)

[perryaire]

Master Electrician here, # 6 SEC or THHN, number 6 NM is only rated for 55 amps.

[badtlc]

do a google search for ampacity. You can pull 55 amps with #8

That is only if both the terminals on the breaker and equipment are 90C rated.

#8 AWG is OK if all the requirements are met (assuming 52A load/min circ rating). The terminals need to be 90C rated and the wire must be 90C rated. For copper wire it needs to be something like THHN, THHW, THW-2, THWN-2, etc as per table 310.16 in the NEC. Also make sure none of the run is exposed on a rooftop.

[Gulfside]

It really depends on the quality of the wire (amount of insulation it has around it)

It's not the amount, it's the type.

[enb54]

Master Electrician here, # 6 SEC or THHN, number 6 NM is only rated for 55 amps.

Yes! As others have suggested, just google "ampacity" and you'll get the answer, be safe and don't even consider undersized electrical wiring on high load circuits...

[badtlc]

Yes! As others have suggested, just google "ampacity" and you'll get the answer, be safe and don't even consider undersized electrical wiring on high load circuits...

He may be a master electrician but #6 is the absolute most conservative choice and overkill. The code allows #8 for 55A as long as the breaker terminals, equipment terminals and insulation all meet the 90C rating requirements.