Can I put #6 on a 30A breaker?

NateHanson

I'm having trouble finding a 50A breaker for my sub-panel, so for the time being I'm planning to use a 30A that's no longer being used.

How do I know if the #6 wire is allowed under the 30A breaker screws? Is it listed on there or something? Or is it just ok if it fits?

If it's not ok, I assume a pigtail to a smaller wire size would have to be outside the main panel, in another junction box, right?

hbsparky

#6 is fine, going bigger on wire is not a bad thing, however going smaller is.

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Speedy Petey

That is only if the breaker will accept it.
It will say somewhere on the breaker what the wire range is.

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NateHanson

Thanks Speedy. That's what I was wondering.

If it won't accept #6 do I have to pigtail down to something that fits OUTSIDE the panel (in another junction box)?

NateHanson

What's the point of a 30A breaker that only accepts 10-14 AWG wire???

anything smaller than 10 would be a violation, and any long runs or anything might use 8 at least.

Seems silly. Anyways, I'm off to get some #10 for pigtails. Is it wrong to put romex in a conduit. It's somewhat temporary, if that matters.

hbsparky

don't put romex in there permanetly, temp should be ok.

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HouseHelper

There are instances where wire smaller than #10 will use a 30A breaker (AC circuits for instance).

Whether or not #6 will fit yours depends on the design of the breaker. As Petey said, check the breaker.

If you have room in the panel, make the pigtail there. That way you won't have to run more wire when you "find" the correct size breaker.

NateHanson

It was cheaper to get THWN, so I've got it connected to the #6 at a junction box just downstream of the panel. Now if I can manage to buy an SDT250 from the guy on Ebay who just bought a lot of NINE of them!

hbsparky

Now those are hard breakers to find, unless you have a cb rebuilding shop right down the street

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NateHanson

There are a lot of 15s and 20s on Ebay, but the high amperage ones are tricky to find.

SeanR

What am I missing here? I can pick up a 50 amp breaker at any ma & pop ACE hardware store. Or I can go to town and buy one at HD. Is this a special species 50 amp your're talking about?

hbsparky

very special 50 amp, not made anymore...different connection to bussing

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hbsparky

I think this is the breaker he is looking for...it's a trilliant type square d double pole 50 amp

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SeanR

Well, then I'd say you're lucky to have a handy 30A available. Good luck in you're seach. I'd be interested in the outcome.

NateHanson

Everyone keep your eyes out for one of those.

I'll pay a finders fee!