Can I add 220v here?

[PoorOwner]

I just wanted to know if it is possible to add a similar breaker in this spot next to the meter. Like how the AC one is done instead of the subpanel inside the garage since the sub is packed as it is.

Behind the wall is the garage as well so the wire can go out easily.

I would like to add a 40 or 30 amp for a compressor if it is indeed possible I will have a electrician come out and wire it.

 

[pattenp]

You lost me. There is no spot to add another breaker. There's only two spots, the main and the AC are using them.

 

[Syberia]

You lost me. There is no spot to add another breaker. There's only two spots, the main and the AC are using them.

If you're right!

 

[pattenp]

If you're right!

Ha Ha.

 

[rlitman]

If you're right!

ROTFL!

So that "Main" feeds a panel somewhere? And the AC breaker feeds an AC directly? If it were my problem, I'd pull the AC breaker and use that to feed a new sub, and feed the AC (and whatever else you need) from that new subpanel.

 

[pattenp]

ROTFL!

So that "Main" feeds a panel somewhere? And the AC breaker feeds an AC directly? If it were my problem, I'd pull the AC breaker and use that to feed a new sub, and feed the AC (and whatever else you need) from that new subpanel.

Bingo! We have a winner. If I'm right?

 

[Milton Shaw]

You may can use a double double pole breaker. I have seen them with 50 amp and then 30 amp together that fit a double pole space. These are usually for a stove/dryer or stove/water heater. Other wise it's going to take a sub-panel and probably an electrician to do the work if you are not comfortable working on hot boxes.

 

[PoorOwner]

Ok I was just wondering if this can be expanded at all. I understand there is currently no space visually but can parts be changed out to add another breaker?

For example my previous house only have a single 100 amp, this has another one, do they have a bigger box that accommodates 3 or more?

 

[pattenp]

You need to check the specs on the metermain to see if it can take half space breakers. If if you can find a make and model # you should be able to figure it out.

Here's what a quad breaker looks like ... http://www.homedepot.com/p/Siemens-...8;jsessionid=E2AF7B60CE0217D8D6E6BF105F70DCE2

 

[Lassen Forge]

I would almost bet that your ac breaker is subordinate to your main breaker. Meaning your main breaker feeds the 2 bus bars in the panel, and the AC breaker feeds FROM those 2 bus bars to give you your 220 for your air conditioner...

I would instead slit this off to a pair of subs - your household and your A/C or shop (or whatever) and then run whatever you need from those subpanels...

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Can u take the cover off and snap a pic?

What model panel do u have?

 

[nadogail]

Poor Owner

A picture is worth 1000 words.

 

[Speedy Petey]

I would almost bet that your ac breaker is subordinate to your main breaker. Meaning your main breaker feeds the 2 bus bars in the panel, and the AC breaker feeds FROM those 2 bus bars to give you your 220 for your air conditioner...

WHY would you think this??

That is a 4-space meter/main enclosure. Both of those breakers are mains.

 

[sberry]

You may be able to get 220 in another country.

 

[bjcouche]

It looks like by the picture, you have a Square D Homeline meter main. I'm guessing they wired your air conditioner to the 2nd main because the meter box is close to the air conditioner and they saved $5 in wire...

Anyhow, If indeed it is a Homeline panel, you cannot use the breaker that PattenP linked to, even though it may fit and work. Breakers have to be "listed" for use in the particular panel. Generally manufacturers only "list" the breakers that they make, and not those from other manufacturers. There are some exceptions however, but they get pricey and very difficult to find.

The only Homeline "quad" breakers that I have seen only have the two inner poles tied together and not the outer two. Since you are trying to add a 240V feed, this will not work for you.
This is all that Square D offers and it won't work for you:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_8934-296-HOMT2020230CP_0__?productId=3129819

What I would do is install a subpanel. Move the air conditioner breaker to the subpanel, then feed your subpanel from where the air conditioner breaker originally was.

It's more work but you'll have many more spaces in the subpanel for future additions.

Brian

 

[Norcal]

The breakers look like Challenger before Westinghouse bought them, and are now defunct.

 

[sberry]

ROTFL!

So that "Main" feeds a panel somewhere? And the AC breaker feeds an AC directly? If it were my problem, I'd pull the AC breaker and use that to feed a new sub, and feed the AC (and whatever else you need) from that new subpanel.

This would be the way.

 

[Norcal]

BTW, no quad breakers will fit that meter can as they will not have the notches to accept a CTL quad or twin. Only a non-CTL type made for panels manufactured prior to 1968 & not sure quads for that purpose are made anymore, it would improper to even use them.

 

[PoorOwner]

ROTFL!

So that "Main" feeds a panel somewhere? And the AC breaker feeds an AC directly? If it were my problem, I'd pull the AC breaker and use that to feed a new sub, and feed the AC (and whatever else you need) from that new subpanel.

So I an going to talk to a electrician soon, the best way is to change that ac breaker to a 100 amp and go to a new subpanel, where I will have the air compressor and welder circuit plus the original AC breaker, and hopefully the AC wiring is able to reach it? Likely the sub will need to be on the back side of this wall in the pic. I also like a new 20 amp 120v if possible so I can use a shopvac and tablesaw together one day.

 

[CJ7VFR]

the best way is to change that ac breaker to a 100 amp and go to a new subpanel...

Asking and getting advice from a local electrician is a great start, and they will tell you what you need to do, and how to get there!

Good luck, and let us know what they say, and what your final plan of action is!

Jim

 

[theoldwizard1]

So I an going to talk to a electrician soon, the best way is to change that ac breaker to a 100 amp and go to a new subpanel, where I will have the air compressor and welder circuit plus the original AC breaker, and hopefully the AC wiring is able to reach it?

Not likely, but not a big deal. The current AC line can be spliced inside that box and the additional wire can be run through the same conduit to the new sub.

Likely the sub will need to be on the back side of this wall in the pic. I also like a new 20 amp 120v if possible so I can use a shopvac and tablesaw together one day.

Good place for it. Just make sure you install a box with a "main breaker" to act as the disconnect and enough slots for future expansion.

 

[Norcal]

A main is not required but desirable, main breaker load centers are not a common item in CA but not impossible to find.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

You may be able to get 220 in another country.

My thoughts exactly.
Tommy

 

[CJ7VFR]

My thoughts exactly.
Tommy

Hey, don't laugh. I have a friend whose wife has dyslexia. She would probably say it was 204v instead of 240v, and believe it!

When she talks about her retirement, she says she can't wait to start taking money out of her 401-OK account. No amount of prompting over the last 25 years has been able to get her to say it or write it the right way...

Jim

 

[Norcal]

Like the dyslexic philosopher who says there is no dog.

 

[sublimate]

220, 221... whatever it takes.

 

[Pwrgeek]

Always been one of my pet peeves. The correct voltages to refer to are 120 and 240 not 110 and 220.


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