No need to apologize, I was just curious.

I realize that runs and temp come into play, but I think you would have to
have a pretty long run in a very hot environment to cause any problems IF
you are using all appropriate materials for a 20 amp run.

We have one installation (I do sound/video and lighting-the big power draw)
and we put in our own 800 amp xformer and ran feeds up to the location. Then
we distributed it from a subpanel on Socapex as required. This setup should
handle most aquarium needs. Probably all of Sea World. (-;


"Steve Sells" wrote in message
ink.net...


That's why he has .8 or 80% in the calculation.

I miss read that.he did include it. My bad.

snip

Why do you say that you never want it to go over 1800? That's only 75%.
If
you have the proper gge wire and receptacles, what's the problem?


Voltage drop from the distance needs to be figured in for wire gauge also.
So does Ambient temperature. example 12 gauge wire is fine for most
lines,
but if I am running a line to the back yard, the voltage drop may make it
only safe for 9 or10 amps, so we may have to use 10 or even 8 guage to
allow
the full power we need. and a hot location for wiring lowers the amps
that
can pass safely.

We use round numbers for most applications for "Off the cuff " figures.
I
should have used the calculations, like when we do a blue print, with all
the voltage drop, resistance for ambient temperatures, Wire Jacket type,
and
the load also figured in.

Since the code says Not over 80% we add a little to cover being too lazy
to
re-calculate every run on a job site, the round numbers, tell us if we are
safe, IF it is "over" the round numbers we use... then we get out the
code
book, and a calculator and then double check the full formula before
installing the lines.

Its like when we drive a car, we know about how fast we are driving, but
when we see a cop, we LOOK at the speedometer, to make sure we are not in
trouble. I need to be clearer when I post.

Sorry

Steve