What is the minimum standard size wireway required for installing 32 3 AWG, 48 2 AWG, and 18 3/0 AWG THHN/THWN conductors?

To determine the minimum standard size wireway needed for the specified conductors, one must refer to the NEC (National Electrical Code) requirements for conductor fill in wireways. This involves calculating the cross-sectional area that the conductors will occupy and ensuring that it does not exceed a certain fill percentage of the wireway cross-section.

First, consider the total number of conductors: 32 three AWG, 48 two AWG, and 18 three-oh AWG conductors.

1. Conductor Fill Calculation:

• Each conductor has a specific cross-sectional area, and the sum of these areas must be calculated to find the total occupancy.

• The NEC stipulates that the maximum fill for wireways is generally 20% for conductors that are not requiring additional space for insulation or heat dissipation.

2. Cross-Sectional Areas:

• The cross-sectional areas of the conductors are defined as follows:

• 3 AWG: approximately 0.2 square inches

• 2 AWG: approximately 0.24 square inches

• 3/0 AWG: approximately 0.36 square inches

3. Total Area Required: