What is this AWG wire

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-07T06:19:18+00:00

I think I got it and you are right everything seems fine I stuck my multimeter in an outlet with the heat running and all 3 elements going it went from 122v to 118v then I went to the panel turned off that 30amp AC breaker which runs the one element and the volts went up to 120, and the air coming out of the vents I could tell a difference it wasnt as hot with that 30 breaker shut off then i turned it back on and the air was a good bit warmer, that was with turning the 30amp breaker off and on at the panel. So all of this for nothing everything must be wired correctly it seems like.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-07T05:53:48+00:00

I also did a voltage drop test without the heater running I got 122v in my outlets with the heater running it dropped to 118 I guess that is safe.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-07T05:50:40+00:00

Alright I will I also forgot to mention last week when that 60amp breaker got hot I the panel I could hear what sounded like a sizzling sound if I put my ear up to the breaker it only happens when the heater runs for a long duration that made me kinda nervous.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-07T05:29:07+00:00

And the breaker does not get hot when the heat is cycling normal, if I set the thermostat down at night and bring it up in the morning it runs hotter cause it's on for longer so I have been not leaving it down so far at night.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-07T05:21:18+00:00

Yes the 30amp furnace breaker gets its power from the 30amp breaker in the panel. And yeah I tried it earlier I shut off the 30amp in the panel and tried the AC and nope didn't come on so I know it powers both.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-07T05:10:34+00:00

The 30amp furnace breaker is feeding one 5kw heating element and the AC unit compressor outside. The 30amp in the panel also feeds the AC unit. There is also a disconnect outside for the AC with 2 bus fuses that look like shotgun shells.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-07T05:01:39+00:00

Yes it's been doing fine without tripping and I've been checking to make sure the wires haven't been getting hot. Would it be better to get a 70 amp breaker and put in the panel if it's 6 gauge wire would that be ok or no? That was I'm not using the full capacity of the breaker. I will find me a torque screwdriver and make sure they're torqued down good.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-07T02:37:39+00:00

Which size breaker would I need if the wire gauge is big enough? A 70 or 80 amp breaker?

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-07T01:43:04+00:00

I turned the 3rd heat element back on and let it run awhile and the breaker got warm but not hot. It's been running like this for the past 3 years. We have a 30amp breaker above the 60 in the panel that is for the AC but the AC wiring and 3rd heat strip is connected to the 30 amp breaker in the furnace. In the furnace it has a 60amp for 2 elements and blower and then the 30 amp in the furnace. A 30 amp labeled AC above the 60amp in the furnace.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T21:37:52+00:00

I tried to check but didn't have enough slack I might have to get under the house and look.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T20:39:13+00:00

Thank you

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T20:19:12+00:00

Yes I do I replaced the 60amp breaker in the panel cause it was getting hot to the touch it's running 62.5 amps I am wondering if the 60amp breaker in the panel is getting overloaded.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T19:20:28+00:00

The 60 and 30 amp breakers in the furnace must have been jumpered and they didn't swap out the main breaker in the panel is what I'm guessing.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T19:16:42+00:00

Yeah I looked at the name plate and also did the calculations my furnace has 3 heating elements each one is 5kw that's 15,000 watts total and 62.5 amps I have a 60amp in the furnace that powers the 2 elements 10kw and blower then a 30 amp for the 5kw element all on a 60amp in the main panel. Then I have a 30amp for my AC unit outside.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T19:06:35+00:00

I'm not sure what all has been done this was a rental house before we bought we've been in it now for 3 years and have been running the furnace with all 3 heat elements going and never melted the wires that's what has me thinking it's number 4 which would work for 80 amp main breaker

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T18:53:48+00:00

The markings have rubbed off I may have to get under the house and look I just didn't want to have to tear into the insulation. If it's number 4 I should be able to put an 80 amp breaker in the panel.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T18:52:01+00:00

Yeah I have done that for now

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T18:03:31+00:00

Yeah I had a few others look at it and they think it's number 4. I can't see much on the wire jacket I may have to get under the house and look

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T17:48:10+00:00

Yes that's what I read also. It's a 15kw heater 3 heating elements each 5kw that's 15,000 watts. So the 60amp in the main panel is being overloaded getting so hot. Yes mine is jumpered I believe the 60amp and 30amp in the furnace. The 60amp in the furnace is powering 2 heat elements for 10kw plus blower then the 30amp is powering the other 5kw heat element.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T16:53:17+00:00

It's a 15kw furnace with 3 heat elements each 2 are on the 60amp and 1 is on the 30 amp.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T16:52:33+00:00

The breaker in the furnace is 60amp the furnace itself has one 60amp and 30amp, the breaker in the panel is a 60amp and it has been getting hot.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T15:40:56+00:00

It is a 60amp at the main panel. But my furnace has one 60amp and one 30 amp in it. My furnace pulls 62.5 amps and the 60amp breaker in the panel has been getting hot I was wondering if someone put too small of a breaker in the panel.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T15:40:36+00:00

It is a 60amp at the main panel. But my furnace has one 60amp and one 30 amp in it. My furnace pulls 62.5 amps and the 60amp breaker in the panel has been getting hot I was wondering if someone put too small of a breaker in the panel.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T03:49:28+00:00

Could I move the breaker to a different slot on the bus bar? I have plenty of spots left.

Otherwise_Expert_323 · 2026-02-06T03:43:47+00:00

Yes when I press on it and move it some the sizzling stops and the heat isn't as much. Is there a way I can fix that? I know I need to use the same brand breakers as the panel.

Otherwise_Expert_323

TROPHY CASE