I posted this on the welding board as well, but someone recommended I
post here as well, since there are some electricians on this board. So
the post is below.

Well, I'm sure many read my post about wiring for a new welder and I
said I was going to run 6 guage wire(NM 6/3) from my Basement to my
Garage to hook up to a new Breaker Panel. This was going to be a 60
amp breaker in my basement to that Breaker Panel.

This has brought up some more questions in my mind.

I'm starting to wonder if 6 guage is safe for 60 amps? Or do I have to

get away from NM Wire and switch to Flexible Conduit and run a higher
amperage wire? Many times I see NM 6/3 recommend for 50 amps, but I
don't see many recommendations for 60 amps and higher for NM wire.
This wire will be about 70-80 feet, going through my Basement Ceiling,
up a finished wall, through my Garage Ceiling, and partially down a
Garage Wall.


This is everything that will be on the breaker box, with room for a
hair more.


Equip Voltage Amps Watts


Welder 230 27 6210
Compressor 230 20 4600
Tools Outlet 120 20 2400
Outdoor Lights 120 20 2400
Misc 120 15 1800


Total Watts 17410
First 10,000 Watts at 100% 10000
Remaining Watts at 40% 2964
Total Watts for AMP determination 12964


AMPS needed total watts / 230V 56.37


Thanks, James