remodelerln wrote:
SCVJeff wrote:
Or upgrade the cables while you're at it and do it right
I would do that but the big question is what size cables do I need?
The best practice is to follow some type of code with electrical installations. That way, you won't have to rely on what you read from other posters with an unknown set of skills or an unknown amount of knowledge. The NEC is a good one to follow. It spells out the ampacities of conductors to be used.
I lent out my newer copy of the NEC so can't quote verbatim by section. IIRC, #8 THHN is good for 45 amps at 75C. #6 is good for 75 amps at 75C. #4 is good for 100 amps at 75C. All connections would be rated to 75C or the size of wire would be increased or ampacity lowered. The THHN would not be contained within a conduit or raceway.
FWIW, I've found that welding cable has the most strands in cross section and is the easiest to bend.
