Originally Posted By: dbowers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Why think about pictures - get online with Professional Equipment and get a wire gauge. OR - go to Lowes, Home Depot, etc and buy 6"-8" of wire in sizes - #13, #12, #10, #8, #6, etc. Label them and keep them in your bag or van, etc.
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
You also have to be aware that the insulation changed in the mid 80s in most cable wiring methods (Romex, UF etc).
Dull finish TW vs shiny double wall THHN.
Look for the -b suffix on the new stuff NM vs NM-b
Newer wire will have a smaller diameter jacket for the same size wire.
The only sure way is to actually measure the conductor if you can’t tell.
When I was inspecting big panels I used one of those plastic 99 cent calipers for large wire sizes but it is hard to tell the difference between 12 and 14 with it.
Originally Posted By: phinsperger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Greg Fretwell wrote:
When I was inspecting big panels I used one of those plastic 99 cent calipers for large wire sizes but it is hard to tell the difference between 12 and 14 with it.
Greg,
I have been looking for one of those calipers but can't seem to find them anywhere. Any ideas?
Originally Posted By: rwashington This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike,
I agree if you do not know something to admit it. I do not have a problem with that.
My issue is as a HI we should know different wire sizes. Just a tad different than say not being able to determine the slope of a roof. If the wire is undersized for the breaker then there could be a......shootout at the O.K. corral.
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
hi Richard,
I have to agree with Dan's original comment about getting foot long lengths of the more common sizes, and becomming familiar with them, I used to advocate the wire gauge, but am no longer in favor of home inspectors stuffing things into panels.
As for pictures, that is a tough one I just spent 1/2 hour trying to get a shot of wire markings to illustrate this thread, and guess what just like in the real world most of them are illegible, and many are not printed but embossed just to add to the fun.
So have fun at the big orange this weekend 
