Wiring an electric kiln

[Mary Ellen]

I have an old Gare kiln (60 amps) which I need to wire about 100 ft from the breaker switch. I am told by some I need 04 and by some I am told I need 4 guage wire. Are these numbers synonymous? (I am writing this for my husband who will do the wiring, so please feel free to correct my terminology so I can tell his correctly what he needs. Are guage and size the same things?

[ArnoldHoward]

I have an old Gare kiln (60 amps) which I need to wire about 100 ft from the breaker switch. I am told by some I need 04 and by some I am told I need 4 guage wire. Are these numbers synonymous?

The lower the number, the thicker the wire. #4 copper wire would be thick enough except that your circuit will be 100 feet long. Can you install your kiln closer to the breaker box? The longer the circuit, the greater the voltage drop. For a 100 foot circuit, I would probably choose #2 copper wire. (Never use aluminum wire.)

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com


Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com