Question About Wire Gauge for 1 HP Motor

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Sgt John

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Mar 24, 2013
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Which gauge wire would you recommend for a 1 HP motor that will run on single phase 115? I have been researching this topic and have seen a mix of responses in the stickies and on many other sites. The motor is a WEG 1 HP, 1750 rpm, with a 14/7 amp draw. I am running on a 20 amp circuit in my garage. I have read that using a 14 gauge/15 amp cord coming from the power source would be fine, but want to get some other opinions on how you all have seen, or maybe wired your motors for your grinders. I'll be using a cut extension cord to a SPST switch, then to the motor. I'll be using this motor with a Coote 2x72 (which comes today :D and I'm really excited about). Thanks for any suggestions.
 
12 gauge wire. 14 would "work", but the extra capacity is just good wiring practice.

I just looked and realized you are talking about making an extension cord with a switch box. I agree with pondeingturtle, using rubber coated 12/2wG and making up your own cord would be better. Home Depot has it on the rolls by the foot.
 
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14 AWG wire is rated for 15 amps in residential useage. So that should be enough, though really putting in a 12 AWG wire for the what 10' of wire isn't going to be a major cost difference.

Myself I wouldn't start with an extension cord, but a plug end and cord, as you can wire in what you want where and not have to worry about how it is put together.
 
I use a 1 hp on my coote and wired with 12g to a 20 amp 120 output but its coming from a 40 amp, 240 line. I set up a pony panel with proper breakers so I could run either 15 or 20 a 120, or a 20a 240. Each has the proper plug so there is no chance of screw up either. I set it up so when i get a better motor and set up, I can switch to 240 with no issue. The 12g wire will cost you about .50 $ a foot max... easily affordable.
 
Sgt John said:
Which gauge wire would you recommend for a 1 HP motor that will run on single phase 115? I have been researching this topic and have seen a mix of responses in the stickies and on many other sites. The motor is a WEG 1 HP, 1750 rpm, with a 14/7 amp draw. I am running on a 20 amp circuit in my garage. I have read that using a 14 gauge/15 amp cord coming from the power source would be fine, but want to get some other opinions on how you all have seen, or maybe wired your motors for your grinders. I'll be using a cut extension cord to a SPST switch, then to the motor. I'll be using this motor with a Coote 2x72 (which comes today :D and I'm really excited about). Thanks for any suggestions.
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14 gauge is appropiate for 80% of a 15 amp circut

At 14 amp motor I'd definately go to 12 gauge
 
Thank you everyone. It appears I will have to swap my outlet to one that will accept a 20 amp plug. The circuit is a 20 amp circuit in my garage but the outlets are the standard 15 amp ones.

So leaning away from an extension cord, I may buy indoor 12/2 wire and end plugs instead (this was my original plan but read about the extension cord)? I like the idea of having the additional leeway with wiring options. Do you all think that is the best and safest way to go?
 
Do you know the model # of your motor? You can easily get a manual online if you know the model #. Most manufacturer manuals list wire gauge info.

I use a WEG CFW100 series micro drive. It's manual lists wire gauge info.
 
What the Count said is actually what is required by the electrical code, at least in Ontario. As Stacey said buy some 12/3 type SJ cabtire (it has to be 3 conductor when ordering cabtire as the ground is considered a conductor in cabtire unlike normal house wire). Make sure you cord end is a 20amp one, make sure the receptacle is 20amp, make sure the wire feeding the receptacle is 12 gauge, lastly make sure you breaker or fuse feeding the receptacle is 20amp and the toggle switch is rated for 20amp.
 
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