Motor Lead Size

436 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by J. V., May 24, 2020

PennKent

Discussion Starter · May 23, 2020

While making up the power cord for a hydraulic motor (110V / 2.5kW), I noticed the internal motor leads are only 14 AWG. Seems undersized, given the load. I was planning to use 10 AWG SO cord, but now I'm not sure if that's overkill. I'm also not sure if the motor is incorrect for this application (car lift), even though it is a factory off-the-shelf hydraulic motor/pump/valve set-up. Motor is started with a simple push-button and relay contactor.

The receptacle is a NEMA L5 that is fed with 10 AWG from a 30A breaker.

Any explanation and/or advice (especially about why the internal motor wiring seems undersized) would be most appreciated.

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chandler48

· #2 · May 23, 2020

You are correct in using the #10 wiring. The internal wiring is specified by the manufacturer and installed as they determine to be correct, based on the amperage rating, and all the name tag nomenclature. 30 amp breaker is appropriate.

Is the motor, by chance, a dual voltage motor. Can you set it up to run on 240 volts? Less amperage, smaller wire needed, and smaller ocp, although it would be a double breaker.

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