It's all a matter of heat dissipation from the I^2R losses, or W converted to heat via electrical 'friction'. In a Romex bundle, you not only have the extra layer of insulation to impede cooling the conductor, you have two other conductors contributing to the heat generation within the same sheath.jfholm wrote:Here is something interesting, a 10 gauge wire in romex, as in a 10/3 cable has an amp rating of 30 amps at a room temp of 86º f. If you take the same 10 gauge wire in a single conductor not in conduit or bundled as in romex has an amp rating of 58 amps at the same room temp. I had no idea it would be that much difference.
I like the idea of the ammeter, but I think I'd just be depressed to 'see' all that current being used. Its amazing how much heat 8 motors at full tilt will generate. I think I could heat my shop in the winter by proper scheduling of my flow testing.
