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Running 220v service from 2 single pole 110 breakers?

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eddyyy302

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I know I had read about this before, but can't seem to come up with the thread. Is it allowable to run a 220v service for a dryer from 2 15 amp single pole breakers thus giving me 30amps 220v? I have the appropriate sized wire and this will be a temporary setup as we are upgrading the service panel. The reason for this is a 220v breaker for the old panel is expensive and we would only be using it for a short time.

Oppinions? Recommendations?
Thanks,
Dan
 
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rockwithjason

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that arrangement will not give you 30 amps. it will give you 15 amps. and no it's not allowable unless the handles are tied together and even then there are restrictions. many jurisdictions don't allow handle ties at all.
 
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VHF

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Although not allowed by current code, you can get 220V by using two single pole 110V breakers (each on a different hot leg), but the curent capacity won't be additave--with two 15A single pole breakers you would end up with only 15A @ 220V, not enough to run your dryer.

Does this house have an electric water heater? That would typically be 30A at 220V. You could share that circuit with the dryer. Put a 30A dryer cord on the water heater and install a 220V receptical. To use the dryer, unplug the water heater and plug in the dryer. Just remember to plug in the hot water heater after you are done with the dryer or you'll have a lukewarm shower the next morning!

(Note 220V = 240V for purposes of this post... just following the OPs terminology.)
 
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eddyyy302

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VHF said:
Although not allowed by current code, you can get 220V by using two single pole 110V breakers (each on a different hot leg), but the curent capacity won't be additave--with two 15A single pole breakers you would end up with only 15A @ 220V, not enough to run your dryer.

Does this house have an electric water heater? That would typically be 30A at 220V. You could share that circuit with the dryer. Put a 30A dryer cord on the water heater and install a 220V receptical. To use the dryer, unplug the water heater and plug in the dryer. Just remember to plug in the hot water heater after you are done with the dryer or you'll have a lukewarm shower the next morning!

(Note 220V = 240V for purposes of this post... just following the OPs terminology.)
Click to expand...

No hot water heater or other 220 appliances, as that was what I was hoping to do. The largest single pole breaker is 20 amps and only one of them.

:lol_hitti Any other ideas?
Dan
 
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D KRAGER

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It will work, but I don't recomend it. One phase could trip the breaker and do damage to the appliance.
 
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Falcon67

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D KRAGER said:
It will work, but I don't recomend it. One phase could trip the breaker and do damage to the appliance.
Click to expand...

No, the OP won't work - if the element is even just 5000 watts it's kick a pair of 15A breakers real quick like. Buy the breaker and run the right wire, or buy some clothes line and pins and hope for fair weather.
 
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eddyyy302

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Falcon67 said:
No, the OP won't work - if the element is even just 5000 watts it's kick a pair of 15A breakers real quick like. Buy the breaker and run the right wire, or buy some clothes line and pins and hope for fair weather.
Click to expand...

haha, and that is what we have been doing, I already purchased the wire, but the breaker is just under $100. Looks like I will have to wait until we upgrade the panel.....THANKS FOR THE INSIGHT GUYS!!!:beer:

Dan
 
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Gary S

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eddyyy302 said:
haha, and that is what we have been doing, I already purchased the wire, but the breaker is just under $100. Looks like I will have to wait until we upgrade the panel.....THANKS FOR THE INSIGHT GUYS!!!:beer:
Click to expand...

Yes, it sounds like you need to replace the panel. A dual 30amp breaker shouldn't cost $100 unless it is for some old obsolete panel that needs to go.

You can buy a new 100amp panel with the 30amp dual breaker and a handful of 20amp single pole breakers included for $50. The cost for an electrician to replace it would be significant, but after that, single pole breakers can be had for $5 and dual pole ones for $10.
 
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