Splicing on 6 gauge wire

paxprobellum · 08-26-2009, 08:06 PM

Hey all --

I recently added a new line for my electric dryer by splicing into a 6/3 wire carrying 220V to my electric range. Its all said and done now (and working fine), but my father-in-law was concerned that splicing into a 220V line might not be up to code. Any electricians here care to chime in?

(If you are interested in my long and arduous outlet installation, you can read about it here: http://firstoldhouse.blogspot.com/20...yers-suck.html )

jerryh3 · 08-26-2009, 08:17 PM

Did you bond the j-box?

paxprobellum · 08-26-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerryh3

Did you bond the j-box?

I'm not sure what you mean -- are you referring to attaching a ground wire to the junction box?

EDIT: You can see the entire wiring job in this picture. (BTW: The electrical tape was just put on there to hold the wires together so I could screw on the wingnut easier -- it ends where the wingnut starts.)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iLbfBv8pRD...00-h/clean.jpg

Scuba_Dave · 08-26-2009, 08:33 PM

Usually dryers are rated 30a, ranges are rated 50a

What size breaker do you have installed & what are the 2 appliances rated for?

You can't run a 30a dryer on a 50a breaker

paxprobellum · 08-26-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kornbln

Why would you tap into the range circuit?

So I wouldn't have to run a new breaker.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

What size breaker do you have installed & what are the 2 appliances rated for?

You can't run a 30a dryer on a 50a breaker

Its a 60A breaker. When we installed the range, that's what we were told was necessary. I've since decided its a bit of overkill. It doesn't seem like it would be an issue to have more amperage than required -- is it?

jerryh3 · 08-26-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paxprobellum

I'm not sure what you mean -- are you referring to attaching a ground wire to the junction box?

EDIT: You can see the entire wiring job in this picture. (BTW: The electrical tape was just put on there to hold the wires together so I could screw on the wingnut easier -- it ends where the wingnut starts.)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iLbfBv8pRD...00-h/clean.jpg

I just now went back and read what you did. I thought you just extended an existing circuit. Take the splice out and run a new wire for the dryer. It's not overkill, it's just wrong.

Scuba_Dave · 08-26-2009, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paxprobellum

So I wouldn't have to run a new breaker.

Its a 60A breaker. When we installed the range, that's what we were told was necessary. I've since decided its a bit of overkill. It doesn't seem like it would be an issue to have more amperage than required -- is it?

YES - VERY BAD
Nothing will prevent that 30a dryer from pulling 60a in case of a problem - which it is not rated for
Put a new run in & a 30a breaker
Dryers are a VERY big cause of fires

DO NOT leave this setup like this

paxprobellum · 08-26-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerryh3

I just now went back and read what you did. I thought you just extended an existing circuit. Take the splice out and run a new wire for the dryer. It's not overkill, it's just wrong.

Uh oh. That doesn't sound particularly enthusiastic. What's the underlying issue here?

Scuba_Dave · 08-26-2009, 08:46 PM

Violates NEC electric code to an extreme & possible fire

jerryh3 · 08-26-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

Violates NEC electric code to an extreme & possible fire

That pretty much sums it up.

paxprobellum · 08-26-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kornbln

As others have stated, using a 60 amp breaker for a 50 amp range isnt overkill - it's wrong and dangerous. You can't protect a wire with a breaker that's rated for more than the wire can handle.

Erm. I don't think that's what is being said. I think they are saying a 60A breaker is too much for the dryer, which is typically a 30A breaker.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kornbln

By tapping into the range circuit, you could potentially put 80 amps on your 60 amp circuit which would trip the breaker any time you tried to dry your jeans and cook dinner.

Theoretically speaking. Though I wouldn't really consider this a problem. It seems like the issue is if the dryer pulls 60A from the circuit, it would fry itself.

In other words, the problem with the wiring is a dryer that isn't being protected by the circuit breaker. Right?

Scuba_Dave · 08-26-2009, 09:12 PM

As long as the range is rated for 60a then the 60a breaker is fine for the
range
I always verify the Mfg instructions for breaker size
If it was a salesman that told you 60a was fine double check it
--especially if it was from a big box store

jbberns · 08-26-2009, 09:13 PM

My tv draws 3 amps and it's on a 20 amp circuit?
And code allows oversizing breakers for motor loads and some other things. Don't have it in front of me but, I can prove it.

Scuba_Dave · 08-26-2009, 09:23 PM

You can't compare a TV to a dryer

paxprobellum · 08-26-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

As long as the range is rated for 60a then the 60a breaker is fine for the
range
I always verify the Mfg instructions for breaker size
If it was a salesman that told you 60a was fine double check it
--especially if it was from a big box store

So I just double checked my range installation instructions:

This appliance must be supplied with the proper voltage and frequency, and connected to an individual, properly grounded, 40 amp (minimum) branch circuit protected by a circuit breaker or time-delay fuse ...

A range cord rated at 40 amps with 125/250 minimum volt range is required. A 50 amp range cord is not recommended, but if used, it should be marked for use with nominal 1 3/8" diameter connection openings.

Seems to indicate to me that 40 amps is the minimum, but 50 amps is okay. How far up the amperage meter does this logic go? :P