[TowerTalk] Wiring Sky Needle tower for 220 VAC

[Richard (Rick) Karlquist]

On 11/5/2013 11:32 AM, Grant Saviers wrote:
> Another alternative is the Home Depot 6/4 aluminum cable, when I bought
> 165' for a 50amp  construction drop they called it "hot tub wire". About
> a buck a foot, so more ampacity than #10 Cu at lower cost and ok for
> direct burial.
>
> Grant KZ1W

The problem with the US Tower motor is that it draws 20A plus
a surge when you start and the relays drop out if you get much below 
120V.  "Ampacity" refers to what the wire can carry without overheating, 
but on  a long run like 250 feet, you need much heavier wire than what 
ampacity would dictate.  My tower would only operate
on cool days, it was that close to not working.

I happened to get my 250 foot 4 by #10 extension cord for nothing.
I would never actually buy something like that new.

Rick N6RK