Expert: Don Beck - 11/10/2005

Question
Hey Don, Quick Question I'm installing a 240 V gate operator, 1 HP, 10 amp o/L, the electrican brought 4 wires outside 2 black 14g, 1 white 8 gauge and 1 14 g ground.
the panel has a double fuse holder with 2 screw in fuses 15 amp each.  Is this OK and which wires should be terminated.
Thanks, Chris   cds@ns.sympatico.ca

Answer
Hi Chris,

The 2 blacks will be for the hots; the other 14 gauge is the neutral, and I have no idea why an 8 gauge wire would be for the ground.

To make sure you connect things up correctly, check the panel and make sure the 2 blacks are on the fuses/breakers....the other 14 guage is on the ground bar, and see where that #8 wire is connected.......I'd love to know.

using 4 wires is the safest way for this set up, I would not eliminate any of them....just make sure how each is used.

Don