240v to 120v?

[Coaster]

I have questions that I think I know the answer to but want additional input...
I currently have a double pole breaker supplyng a 12-2 w/ground 240 volts. The outlet originally had 110v to both white and black wires (240v). I have disconnected that outlet and want to wire up a 120v outlet for my compressor.
The questions...

Can I just cap off the white wire in the outlet box and use the ground as a neutral? (I think not).

Can I just remove one of the wires (white) from the double pole breaker and use it as the neutral for the other side? (basically wasting a breaker) Or run another wire for another 120v outlet off that breaker?

Should I just replace the double pole breaker with a single pole and call it a day?

Thanks in advance for any input. And please dont tell me to call an electrician. I will do this myself or die trying.

 

[rkevins]

IF the 12/2 wg is large enough to handel your compressor...replace the double pole with a single pole, use the white as your neutral. or on some breakers you can remove the conector that holds the two breakers togather.

 

[Aceman]

IF the 12/2 wg is large enough to handel your compressor...replace the double pole with a single pole, use the white as your neutral. or on some breakers you can remove the conector that holds the two breakers togather.

No reason for that. If he really wants to save money and not buy a single pole, just use one side of that 2 pole breaker.

 

[Coaster]

No reason for that. If he really wants to save money and not buy a single pole, just use one side of that 2 pole breaker.

It's a small compressor.

Can I legally use the other side for another 120v outlet?

Also, does this "updated" configuration now need to be a GFCI?

Thanks!

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Given that single pole breakers are less than $4 each at Home Depot or Lowes, I'd swap them out. Yes, you could use just one side of the existing double pole, and I suppose there is nothing to prevent you from using the other side for a different circuit, except that if you need to kill one, you will have to kill both circuits, I'd swap the breakers and save the DP for some other need.

Charles

 

[BigJohn20]

Coaster,

You cannot legally get two single pole circuits out of your setup as-is. It just isn't happening. You need a bare minimum of 4 wires for two 120v circuits.

As for the GFCI requirement, that's going to be up to your AHJ and their rehab code. Some will say any modification to a circuit will require the circuit be brought up to current code. Others won't give a damn. In a garage (I'm assuming that's what this is) I'd throw in a GFCI anyway.

 

[Coaster]

Yes...garage.

Thank you all very much.

I will just replace them probably...and add the GFCI to be on the safe side.

Thanks again.

 

[6768rogues]

Many receptacle type GFCIs do not handle motor loads. For a motor load, the circuit breaker type GFCI is better.

 

[nehog]

It's a small compressor.

Can I legally use the other side for another 120v outlet?

Also, does this "updated" configuration now need to be a GFCI?

Thanks!

No you can't use the 'other side' for an additional 120 circuit, since that wire will become the neutral for your compressor.

Personally, I'd recommend a GFCI, if for some reason it doesn't work then figure out why.

 

[Coaster]

No you can't use the 'other side' for an additional 120 circuit, since that wire will become the neutral for your compressor.

No, I mean the "other side" of the double breaker for another seperate set of wires.

Like it was said before, the only issue would be that the whole breaker would then shut off two seperate set of wires. Not a huge problem other than I would need to buy two seperate GFCIs (if I went that route).

With all this said, I know I can go a few different ways. I just really want to do what is legal per the NEC.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Adrien]

You should be able to remove the bar connecting the two 'switches' on the breaker so they will operate independently. Now you have two breakers, and yes you can use the other lug on the breaker for a future receptacle, but obviously you will need to run new conductors. Take the white wire, land it on the neutral bar in your panel and wire up a 120V receptacle. NEC 2008 (which is the code cycle California is on right now, not sure where you live) does require GFCI protection inside of a garage.

Adrien

 

[atpalmer]

What size is the breaker? hopefully 20A

 

[Coaster]

It is a 20 amp.