Don't be afraid to use large wire in primary feeds. I have seen the result of "skimping" with the result conduit noticeably warms after about 10 - 15 minutes of operation. The worst consequence is a power sag when the transmitter comes on with the result that in the extreme, contactors won't operate correctly. The wire tables specify the minimum wire size, especially if long runs are contemplated (fifty feet or so). You will never regret using the next size, even if it is initially more expensive. The current price of copper does not make the decision any easier.
Bill ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Fondren" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service" <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007 8:43 PM Subject: Re: [AMRadio] #4 wire from mains? - they gotta be kidding > Brian I think u answered a lot ur questions or concerns. The transmitter was designed for 24 hour / 7 day a week operation. at 1000 watts. I agree # 4 seems overkill but Gates wanted to get as stiff a power supply to the transmitter as possible. Those transmitters were used in a lot of small towns, mom and pop operations. The old branch circuit tables showed 30 amp #10, 40 amp #8, 50 amp # 6 etc. Then down at the bottom of the page the small print said for long distance runs keep the voltage drop less than 3% by increasing wire size. Anyway from the distances u mentioned dont think u will have a problem. Dont forget to double the distance in making voltage drop calulations because the current comes in on one wire and returns on the other wire. Bill Fondren K5PML > > > "A.R.S. - W5AMI" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I've been reading the Gates BC-1T manual and found two instances where > they state that #4 wire should be used. One says: > > "3) ...provide #4 or larger primary wiring from entrance box to transmitter". > > What the heck am I missing here? My 200 amp mains (as the wire runs) > to my shack junction box will be about 24 feet max, and then from the > shack panel to the Gates will be no more than 12 feet. > - - - > Brian / wa5am > > -- > Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names > the streets after them. - Bill Vaughan > ______________________________________________________________ > AMRadio mailing list > List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html > List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio > Partner Website: http://www.amfone.net > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html > Post: mailto:[email protected] > To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with > the word unsubscribe in the message body. > > > ______________________________________________________________ > AMRadio mailing list > List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html > List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio > Partner Website: http://www.amfone.net > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html > Post: mailto:[email protected] > To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with > the word unsubscribe in the message body. ______________________________________________________________ AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Partner Website: http://www.amfone.net Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:[email protected] To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
