What is the current-carrying capacity of a 10 AWG SJO flexible cord when connected to a 120/240-volt, 3-phase system?

To determine the current-carrying capacity of a 10 AWG SJO flexible cord, it is essential to refer to the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines. For a 10 AWG wire, the ampacity can vary based on several factors, including the type of insulation, the number of conductors in a raceway, and the ambient temperature.

In general, for copper conductors, a 10 AWG wire typically has an ampacity of 30 amps under normal conditions for an insulated conductor. However, in specific applications such as in flexible cords, the ampacity may be lower due to the construction and heat dissipation characteristics.

In a 3-phase system using a 10 AWG flexible cord, such as SJO, the one-third rule may apply, splitting the load across the three phases. However, the continuous load capacity must be considered as well, which usually requires a derating factor. If the intended load is continuous, a further derating may apply, which can lead to a practical capacity of about 20 amps for continuous use of a 10 AWG conductor in a flexible cord.

Therefore, in this context, the response indicating 20 amps is based on the recognition of continuous load considerations and