rocklobster

I'm adding a 220 receptacle for my dust collector. However, I noticed that there is only one bar left in my box, not two. I could remove the 240 that I occasionally use for a welder, but I'd rather not.

Can I buy a bar that has 8 connectors to replace this one that has 6 connectors (pardon my lack of knowledge of the correct terms)? Would that be a dangerous thing to do?

There are 60 amps coming out here. I only use the welder if I shut everything else off. The pic shows the box with the 240 moved out of the way.

Thanks for any input.

Rob

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Steve G.

I would get a duplex 20amp breaker to replace the top 2 on the left and move it to the bottom, then put the new 240v breaker at the top left 2 hot bus bars.

Obviously if you don't know what you're doing, then I would suggest you get a licensed electrician to do it for you.

Did you install that sub panel?

Steve G.

http://www.drillspot.com/pimages/1565/156513_300.jpg

this is what a duplex breaker looks like, but in a 20amp version.

rocklobster

Steve,

That sounds like a good idea. I was completely forgetting about the duplex.

No, I didn't install the panel, but I did put in the 240.

I think I will go with your advice. Looks to be a fairly simple fix.


Thanks,
Rob

rrbrown

Rob the duplex breaker will work for now, but i would look to put in a new panel in the future. Well if you add anything else you will have to anyway.

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Richard

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Gary Beasley

I would upgrade boxes for sure in the future. If you are filling the boxes slots it's probable you are approaching the boxes capacity. You need to make sure the incoming lines will handle the load you plan on using and get a box to match the usage. Too heavy a drain and you may have to get the electric company to upgrade your infeeding transformers. No telling what that would cost.

David Freed

I have put as many as 3 machines on one breaker. I only do this with machines that will never be running at the same time. I have been told that this does not conform to electrical codes because two machines might be turned on at the same time. That sounds a little ridiculous to me because that is what the breaker is there for. If too much juice is going through it, it will trip.

I agree that upgrading your system in the near future would be a good idea.

rocklobster

Yeah, you guys are right. I was thinking about that. Sometime in the future, I'd like to add another 220 for a bigger table saw, so I guess I'll be upgrading the panel when I do that.

Rob