What is everyone using for dedicated AC lines???

I notice that some of you have used #12 THHN stranded, and others #12 gauge solid core twisted. Can someone explain the rationale for choosing either?

Twisted conductors cancel RF. I use them all the time in low voltage control work though normally not for that particular reason.

Solid conductors are prefered in any given situation except for situations where flexibility or repeated stress is of concern. I know of "honest" cable manufacturers that will agree with this statement even though most of their products are of stranded design for reasons of flexibility. Twisting reduces inductance and increases capacitance, which helps lower the noise floor and increase the rejection of RFI. Combining the two offers the most benefits with the least drawbacks of any other approach.

As a side note, use the heaviest gauge wires that you can use within reason. 12 gauge should be considered a minimum for any type of A/V installation. Sean
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Glen, if 10/2 solid romex cable were run, wouldn't the cable withstand 50 amps max? According to my handbook, a 10 awg solid wire can hold 50 amps max while a stranded 10 awg can only hold 23 amps. Also, do you think is a good idea to use 10/3 20 or 30 amp twistlock connectors than a 20 amp Edison? ThanksAlfredo

I don't know what handbook you are reading, but try passing 50 amps through ANY 10 gauge wire for an extended period of time and see how hot it gets. Ratings like that are foolish at best. 50 amps of current through 8 gauge will show a very definite temperature rise. As far as i'm concerned, 8 gauge is sufficient for 30 to maybe 35 amps of current. It will obviously pass a LOT more than that on short term demand, but it is at the times of high demand that you want the least sag possible. That may not agree with anything else you ever read, but then again, i'm not willing to accept the low standards that the industry uses. Sean
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