[AMRadio] #4 wire from mains? - they gotta be kidding

[SBJohnston at aol.com]

ars.w5ami at gmail.com writes:

> Actually, for this short distance, mains to shack to rigs, I could
> probably get by with #8 so long as I don't run multiple KW rigs at one
> time ;)

#4 wire would be considerable overkill in most installation situations, but 
if it was a long run, in a hot environment, using old style wire, maybe in 
conduit, then it probably made more sense.

I used a standard 10/3 molded electric dryer cord exiting through a panel 
bushing that already existed about halfway up the left rear of my BC-1T.  Inside 
the rig the primary wiring is #10 as well.  The rig is sitting right next to 
the distribution panel and the outlet is mounted on the side of the box with 
#10 to the breaker.  You can see it in this photo pretty well...  
http://www.wd8das.net/Gates/restored1.jpg  

I do have a problem with the circuit breaker tripping off once in awhile when 
I key the rig.  Transmitters of this sort with no step-start were intended 
for time-delay fuse protection, not breakers.  So far I haven't found a breaker 
with a time-delay action for this domestic panel, so I think I need to 
consider step-start in the power supply.

Inside the rig there are two such fuses for additional protection.

Steve WD8DAS


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