What does the Code require for overhead spans of up to 50 feet for mechanical strength?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies standards for the mechanical strength of conductors used in overhead spans. For spans of up to 50 feet, the Code requires a minimum wire size that can adequately handle stress from its own weight as well as environmental factors such as wind and ice.

No. 10 wire is considered sufficient for this purpose because it strikes a balance between being thick enough to maintain its structural integrity and flexible enough to facilitate installation. This size has appropriate tensile strength and conductivity for spans of this length, ensuring safety and functionality without requiring the use of overly bulky wires.

Using larger wire sizes, like No. 6 or No. 8, may be unnecessarily robust for a span of this length, potentially resulting in increased material costs and difficulty in handling. In contrast, sizes such as No. 12 may not provide adequate strength or may pose safety risks due to their inability to withstand significant mechanical stress over the designed span length. Therefore, No. 10 wire meets the Code's requirements effectively for overhead spans of up to 50 feet.