Wrenches,
Here's a tough one for me to understand. I am installing 2 volt AGM batteries.
There are two terminals for each battery polarity. I have some height limits so
I need to use the minimum wire size. Here's my question: If I combine two
identical conductors, what is the equivalent single
Larry,
I don't think the relationship of AWG size to ampacity is a linear curve, so
while that rule of thumb may be pretty good, you can't always count on it. I
would use the circular area column in NEC Chapter 9, Table 8 for an easy, quick
way to compare two of one conductor vs. one of
Thanks Dan and Nathan. So simply by using the CMA and doubling it I can lookup
an equivalent CMA size. That just sounds too easy.
other code issues... Since these conductors are attached to separate
terminals on each battery, they aren't paralleled but the net result is like
paralleling.
Larry:
Yep, it basically that easy.
To paraphrase the handbook...
Conductors connected in parallel are treated by the Code as a single conductor
with a total cross-sectional area of all conductors in parallel.
The main requirements for parallel conductors are in Article 310.10(H).
Larger than
Larry:
Yes, you can parallel conductors (there is an NEC limit on minimum size allowed
to parallel).
You just add the ampacity of the two conductors.
To convince yourself you can also check Table 8 Conductor Properties and sum
the cross sectional areas of all the parallel conductors to see the
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