Electrify Your Skills 2026 – Spark Success with HOLT Electrician's Test!

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In the scenario with a 30 horsepower motor and a 10 horsepower motor on the same circuit, is it true that the feeder conductors must be No. 6 THHN?

True

The statement is true because when calculating the appropriate conductor size for a feeder that supplies two motors, you must consider the total continuous load. In this case, a 30 horsepower motor and a 10 horsepower motor could potentially be drawing significant current.

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), the current for a motor can be found by multiplying the horsepower by a specific factor based on the voltage. Particularly, a 30 hp motor at 240 volts may draw approximately 90 amps, while a 10 hp motor could draw around 30 amps. When both motors operate on the same circuit, the total current draw can exceed the capacity of smaller gauge conductors.

Selecting No. 6 THHN conductors is appropriate here to ensure safe operation under load, as this wire size can handle the maximum expected current. Additionally, complying with the NEC ensures safety, proper functioning, and the ability to prevent overheating or potential circuit failures.

In situations such as these, regulators often establish guidelines that suggest the use of specific conductor sizes based on the horsepower rating of the connected equipment. Thus, using No. 6 THHN for this application adheres to industry standards and safety practices.

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