WB6PWJ
join:2004-05-12
Anaheim, CA | Wiring question I want to install a EVSE that requires 8 gauge wire. Can I install three wires into a half inch flex? I would be using red, black, and green. |
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| I think you need to be 3/4, if not 1 inch. I am a big proponent of going to a larger trade size than required by minimums. |
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 nunyaWho is John Galt?Premium,MVM
join:2000-12-23
O Fallon, MO
kudos:5
 ·Charter
 ·voip.ms
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"Flex" is a broad brush. There are many types of flexible conduit. I'm going to assume you are talking about the most common, flexible metallic conduit.
There are also many types of wire. I'm going to assume you are using #8 THHN or THWN.
By code, you could cram 3 #8 in a piece of 1/2. 3/4 would probably be a more reasonable choice.
If you have to ask on a simple question like this, you probably need to at least consult an electrician for this kind of project.
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WB6PWJ
join:2004-05-12
Anaheim, CA | Yes it is metallic flex. I have not yet installed anything but I put the wires into the flex and to me it seemed that there was adequate space but I wanted to make sure.
I realize 3/4 inch would be a better choice but I have some 1/2 inch on hand. It will be a really short run to the panel (under 5 feet). |
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alkizmo
join:2007-06-25
Pierrefonds, QC | Well, as Nunya said, 3 is okay, but it's the very maximum, and considering this is for charging a vehicle, I bet there will be a high load for quite a few hours.
As others said, 3/4 would be better and if you have no bends, for 5 feet, you could get by with spending only 10$-15$ in material for solid EMT (including 90 bend). I didn't count the set screw connectors that you'd need ANYWAY for attaching the raceway to your panel and junction box.
How come you have flexible metal conduit on hand? |
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| without knowing specifics i think metallic flex would be a good option.
we would have to see pictures...... |
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WB6PWJ
join:2004-05-12
Anaheim, CA | reply to WB6PWJ
Years ago I ran a circuit for my window air conditioner. I used an outdoor box and weather proof flex and connectors for the outside run. Since Home Depot only sold it in a 25 ft spool I have some left. I want to use it as indoor flex with normal connectors.
I am building the charger from open EVSE so it will be well built but not UL approved. I doubt that an electrician would install it. |
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 whizkid3Premium,MVM
join:2002-02-21
Queens, NY
kudos:8 | reply to WB6PWJ
said by WB6PWJ:I put the wires into the flex and to me it seemed that there was adequate space but I wanted to make sure. With any type of conduit, including flexible conduit, it will always seem as if there is 'adequate space', with wires larger than it is designed to be used with. The reason being is that the wires can not take up more than 40% of the open space within the conduit to allow for adequate heat dissipation and to be able to properly pull them through the conduit. The length makes little difference, as the heat dissipation is per unit length of both wire and conduit.
As for your colors, this is a 240 circuit? |
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WB6PWJ
join:2004-05-12
Anaheim, CA | reply to WB6PWJ
It is an electric car charging 240V circuit with no neutral 40A circuit breaker 30A max but 16A with my Nissan Leaf. The car draws what it needs for its internal charger up to the circuit max.
There is a pilot signal that signals the max current available and the car takes what it needs. The external "charger" is just a safety supplied voltage source. The real charger is in the car. |
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 LBDSLLightning BoltVIP
join:2002-01-07
Auburn Hills, MI | reply to WB6PWJ
Not a direct answer to your question, but a previous thread about installing a EV Charging station.
»Wiring gauge for 120 foot run for 240v ??
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Lightning Bolt Technologies |
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