new room, quick wiring ?

Running 220 to the ceilings of the rooms [2 outlets one 50 amp breaker] . The runs are only 12 feet breaker to the lights mounting areas. Was wondering what size wire would work. I think the #6ga copper is way over kill. And the #12-3 i have on hand isn't stirring any confidence. Max 1000w per bank. Just wanted to get some input from growers that have went this route. Thanks for the help.

The safe carrying capacity is a function of the type of metal the wire is made of and its temperature rating (and the length of the run which seems to be short enough that it doesn't matter for your application). If you are protecting the wire with a 50 amp breaker, you need a wire that is rated for carrying at least 50 amps. If you don't need that much power, using a smaller breaker will allow you to use smaller wire.

Check the rating on the wire before you buy.

l second brewbeer's comments. I believe #6 copper is required for a 50 amp breaker, but you don't need 50 amps, thats 12,000 watts! 15 amps x 240v is = 3600 watts.

luv2grow said:

Running 220 to the ceilings of the rooms [2 outlets one 50 amp breaker] . The runs are only 12 feet breaker to the lights mounting areas. Was wondering what size wire would work. I think the #6ga copper is way over kill. And the #12-3 i have on hand isn't stirring any confidence. Max 1000w per bank. Just wanted to get some input from growers that have went this route. Thanks for the help.

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It really depends if you are using solid core or stranded wire http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/wire-gauges-d_419.html 50A you can use 6ga wire or solid 10ga

good points! Needed to get outside my own little thinking box here. Thanks for the help

A 20 amp breaker and 12 ga romex wire is plenty for this application.

For some reason after using heavy duty cycle tools and wiring them, It has worked into my brain that 50 amp breakers are the norm. That's why had to ask. Thanks!