The wire gauge required for a motor depends on the current and voltage rating of the motor, as well as the distance between the motor and the power source.
To calculate the wire gauge required for a motor, you will need to use the following formula:
Wire gauge = (motor current x 2) / (0.8 x allowable voltage drop x distance)
Where:
Motor current is the amount of current the motor will draw during operation, measured in amps (A).
Allowable voltage drop is the maximum amount of voltage drop that is acceptable for your application, typically 5% to 10% of the voltage rating of the motor.
Distance is the distance between the motor and the power source, measured in feet (ft).
For example, let's say you have a 10 horsepower (hp) motor that will draw 20 amps at 240 volts, and the distance between the motor and power source is 50 feet. Let's also assume an allowable voltage drop of 5%.
Wire gauge = (20A x 2) / (0.8 x 0.05 x 50ft) = 10 AWG
In this example, a 10 AWG wire would be required for the motor. However, it is always recommended to consult with a qualified electrician or engineer to ensure that the correct wire gauge is used for your specific application, as there may be additional factors that need to be considered