What size wire do I have?

737Pilot · 10-09-2008, 03:25 PM

From my house to my detached garage I have aluminum wire run. On the wire it is printed 2x2 + 4 AWG. There are 3 wires coming into my subpanel, 2 hots and one nuetral. Does this mean that the hot wires are number 2 guage and the neutral is number 4? Most of the writing on the wire is rubbed off, but it also says XLPE and phase conductor 2. I could barely read the manufacturere name which is Centelsa. I went to their website but it was not much help.

Can anyone provide their knowledge here? Thanks.

chris75 · 10-09-2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 737Pilot

From my house to my detached garage I have aluminum wire run. On the wire it is printed 2x2 + 4 AWG. There are 3 wires coming into my subpanel, 2 hots and one nuetral. Does this mean that the hot wires are number 2 guage and the neutral is number 4? Most of the writing on the wire is rubbed off, but it also says XLPE and phase conductor 2. I could barely read the manufacturere name which is Centelsa. I went to their website but it was not much help.

Can anyone provide their knowledge here? Thanks.

This is not a cable correct? Sounds like they ran URD, so it would be TWO # 2AWG and a reduced neutal wire at #4 AWG. Pretty common.

ScottR · 10-09-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris75

Pretty common.

No pun intended.

737Pilot · 10-09-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris75

This is not a cable correct? Sounds like they ran URD, so it would be TWO # 2AWG and a reduced neutal wire at #4 AWG. Pretty common.

After looking up URD wire, I believe you are right. Thank you. Now, this 100A subpanel is about 120 feet from the main panel. Is this wire size OK? THanks again.

chris75 · 10-09-2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 737Pilot

After looking up URD wire, I believe you are right. Thank you. Now, this 100A subpanel is about 120 feet from the main panel. Is this wire size OK? THanks again.

Technically speaking, it should be supplied by a 90 amp breaker to meet code.