Voltage Drop and Electrical Service Planning

I need to run close to 250′ at 220v for 20A (or 110v for 40A, but considering the length of run and voltage drop over distance, presume to go with 220v) wire size is borderline between #6 and #8… By: Dave Rongey

Calculating Voltage Drop for Wire Size
[ad#block]Question: I need to run close to 250′ at 220v for 20A (or 110v for 40A, but considering the length of run and voltage drop over distance, presume to go with 220v) wire size is borderline between #6 and #8.

My question is, in the interest of economy, can I run the #6/2 or #8/2 for 125′ and then #10/2 for the second leg of 125′
(I also considered halving the amperage to 10A, and running a pair of #10/2 for the 250′ – 500′ of #10 being more economical than 250′ of #6 (or #8)
Any advise or admonition appreciated
Thanks!

This electrical question came from: Lana, a Homeowner from Monterey, CA, USA
Additional Comments: very helpful

Dave’s Reply:

Thanks for your electrical question Lana.
The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Calculations and Formulas

Voltage Drop Calculations
Voltage drop is an essential factor in determining the correct wire size to prevent voltage loss which will occur in long distance runs of electrical wire or cable

Electrical Calculations and Formulas

wire

Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

For more information about 220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram

Wiring 220 Volt Electrical Outlet
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how electrical outlets for the home are wired.

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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