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The 10 refers to the gauge of the wire--how thick it is. The smaller the number, the larger the wire and the more current it can carry. The 3 indicates there are three insulated 10 gauge wires wrapped in an outer jacket.

Most circuits are wired with thinner wire--14 gauge copper for 15 amperes and 12 gauge for 20 amperes. 10 gauge wire would be used for a larger load, up to 30 amps; the three conductor wire would be used to connect 240 volts. This would use two "hot" wires and a neutral. In most cases, a fourth grounding wire would be required as well.

So 10/3 wire would be used to connect something that takes a lot of power: an electric clothes dryer or large shop tool. It would usually be a dedicated circuit with a 30 amp circuit breaker.

Most 10/3 wire now has an orange outer jacket for easy identification, but it is not required to be orange.

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10/3 wire means that there are 3 current-carrying wires plus an earth wire ( 4 wires in total). It can be used for a high-power 240 v appliance.

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9y ago
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3w ago

10/3 electrical wire is typically used for 240-volt appliances that require two hot wires and one ground wire, such as electric dryers and kitchen ranges. It can also be used for some higher voltage applications like baseboard heaters or air conditioning units.

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Q: What is 10 3 electrical wire used for?
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Can you use 10-3 wire instead of 10-2 wire for basic wiring?

Yes, you can use 10-3 wire instead of 10-2 wire for basic wiring. The extra conductor in the 10-3 wire is typically used for grounding or carrying an additional circuit, providing more flexibility for future electrical needs. Just make sure to properly connect and terminate the wires according to the electrical code requirements.


What is difference between 10-2 and 10-3 wire?

The main difference between 10-2 and 10-3 wire is the number of conductors they have. 10-2 wire has two conductors, typically used for a hot wire and a neutral wire. 10-3 wire has three conductors, typically used for a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire.


What breaker do you use for 10-2 wire?

For 10-2 wire, you would typically use a 30-amp breaker. This size breaker is commonly used for 10-gauge wire in residential electrical installations. Make sure to check your local electrical codes and the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific application.


Is 10-3 wire heavy enough for a washer-dryer combination if they are 50 feet away from the breaker box?

No, for a 50-foot run from the breaker box, 10-3 wire is not heavy enough for a washer-dryer combination. It is recommended to use 8-3 wire for this distance to ensure safe and efficient electrical supply for the appliances.


How coils of wire can be used to wire a 3 bedroom self contained house?

Coils of wire can be used to wire a 3 bedroom self-contained house by running the wires from the breaker box to various electrical outlets, switches, and light fixtures throughout the house. The wires are typically hidden behind walls and ceilings for safety and aesthetics. It is important to follow electrical codes and consult a professional electrician to ensure proper installation and safety.

Related questions

Can you use 10-3 wire instead of 10-2 wire for basic wiring?

Yes, you can use 10-3 wire instead of 10-2 wire for basic wiring. The extra conductor in the 10-3 wire is typically used for grounding or carrying an additional circuit, providing more flexibility for future electrical needs. Just make sure to properly connect and terminate the wires according to the electrical code requirements.


What is difference between 10-2 and 10-3 wire?

The main difference between 10-2 and 10-3 wire is the number of conductors they have. 10-2 wire has two conductors, typically used for a hot wire and a neutral wire. 10-3 wire has three conductors, typically used for a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire.


What breaker do you use for 10-2 wire?

For 10-2 wire, you would typically use a 30-amp breaker. This size breaker is commonly used for 10-gauge wire in residential electrical installations. Make sure to check your local electrical codes and the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific application.


What are the color codes on 240 volt 3 wire?

In North America the cable colour coding is Red and Black, usually used for the current carrying conductors. The third wire is White and it is used as the neutral on a three wire electrical circuit.


What the difference between 10-2 wire and 10-3?

The first number indicates the size of the wires, in this case #10 AWG (American Wire Gauge). The last number refers to the quantity of conductors, excluding the ground wire, if any. 10-2 wire would have two conductors, typically a black used for the hot, and a white used for the neutral. If the label says "10-2 with ground" then the cable would also contain a bare or green insulated ground wire. 10-3 wire contains all the above plus one more wire, typically red, used for an additional hot.


In electrical terms what does 2p3w refer to?

2 pole, 3 wire.


Is 10-3 wire heavy enough for a washer-dryer combination if they are 50 feet away from the breaker box?

No, for a 50-foot run from the breaker box, 10-3 wire is not heavy enough for a washer-dryer combination. It is recommended to use 8-3 wire for this distance to ensure safe and efficient electrical supply for the appliances.


Is 8 3 wire too big to hook up an electric dryer?

No, a 8/3 wire is suitable for hooking up an electric dryer. This wire size is typically used to handle the electrical load required by a dryer. Make sure to also use the correct outlet and breaker size rated for the wire.


Can 10-3 wire be used for an electric oven?

10 Guage Wire Will Handle 30 Amps. Most ovens require 50A, so no.


What size of cable wire used for 500 kva transformer 240 volt 3 phase?

A 10 mm cable is most commonly used for a 500 KVA transformer, 240 volt, 3 phrase. The size of the wire that is used in a transformer is based on the voltage.


What are the ratings and certificates for The Wire - 2002 Reformation 3-10?

The Wire - 2002 Reformation 3-10 is rated/received certificates of: Netherlands:16


What colors are electrical wires with number reference?

The color of electrical wires can vary depending on the country or region's standards. In the USA, for example, black wires are hot, white wires are neutral, and green or bare wires are ground. Other countries may use different color codes for electrical wires. It's important to consult local codes or a professional electrician for guidance.