skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

equivalent load carrying

13 years ago

I'm running #8 wire out to my 110V, 19 amp lakeside pump (per manufacture recommendation based on the distance from box to pump). Rather than hard wire the pump, I'd like to use a 20 amp GFI and plug. The GFI will accept two #12 wires line wires. Will two #12 carry the equivalent load of the one #8? Is it better to 'unravel' the #8 and split it into two and attaching each to the GFI?

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

Ron Natalie
13 years ago
If the manufacturer recommends #8 there is most likely good reason. Motors frequently are not happy with the voltage drop that smaller conductors over longer distances will bring. #12 and a 20A circuit is marginal for something that claims to draw 19A. I can almost guarantee you're going to trip the breaker from time to time. What circuit rating does the manufacturer recommend?

No you CAN NOT parallel #12.
No you can not "unravel" the #8. If the plug or terminal won't accept wire that large, you're going to have to make a connection using some listed means (they do make wire nuts that large, for example) to join to a wire that fits.
Related Professionals
Charlotte General Contractors · Johnson City General Contractors · Martinsburg General Contractors · Utica General Contractors · Oshkosh General Contractors · Chatham General Contractors · Richmond Home Remodeling · Sioux City Home Remodeling · Traverse City Home Remodeling · Oneonta Home Remodeling · Albuquerque Home Remodeling · Carlsbad Home Remodeling · Lubbock Home Remodeling · Rapid City Home Remodeling · Rock Hill Bathroom Remodelers

Related Stories

STORAGE 5 Tips for Lightening Your Closet’s Load

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Create more space for clothes that make you look and feel good by learning to let go

MOST POPULAR 8 Ways to Add a Load of Color to Your Laundry Room

By Jennifer Ott Design

Give a tedious task a boost by surrounding yourself with a bold, happy hue

REMODELING GUIDES House Planning: When You Want to Open Up a Space

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

With a pro's help, you may be able remove a load-bearing wall to turn two small rooms into one bigger one

LIFE Get the Family to Pitch In: A Mom’s Advice on Chores

By Alison Hodgson

Foster teamwork and a sense of ownership about housekeeping to lighten your load and even boost togetherness

LAUNDRY ROOMS Make a Clean Break With Laundry Chaos

By Lisa Frederick

Bins and bags, sorters and other storage — we've got several loads' worth of ways to keep your laundry neat

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Chic Entryway Seating

By Stephanie Sabbe

Encourage guests to remove shoes or just take a load off with one of these benches, ottomans or banquettes in the entry

FIREPLACES 8 Fantastic Freestanding Fireplaces to Warm Any Room

By The Inman Company

Free up your room's design and lighten the load on your budget with a freestanding fireplace in a style to suit your taste

DECORATING GUIDES Edit Keepsakes With Confidence — What to Let Go and What to Keep

By Laura Gaskill

If mementos are weighing you down more than bringing you joy, here's how to lighten your load with no regrets

REMODELING GUIDES My Houzz: Layers of Patina and an Artist’s Touch in a New York Colonial

By Rikki Snyder

Antiques and loads of found treasures mix with collections and art in a very personal home and studio

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: 10 Ways to Get the Remodel You Want for Less

By Buckminster Green LLC

Lighten the load on your remodeling budget without sacrificing your design by heeding this insider advice

Sponsored

More Discussions

CU/AL outlet for EV charger ?

1

LED Light bulbs not lasting very long

10

Unexpected voltage drops

1

20 year old GE undercabinet lighting replacement linking cord

0

Why outlets get pigtailed

0