Question Regarding Duplex 220V Receptacle

[superskaterxes]

So right now i have a #2 SER wired to a 30A 220V receptacle in the basement for my air compressor (the #2 wire was existing so i reused it even though its overkill). I now have a 220v welder in my garage which is only about 20 feet from this receptacle and requires a 30A breaker.

How do i go about splitting the #2 wire to two separate 30A 220v receptacles so that i can also plug in the welder? I dont intend to run both items at the same time so the 30A breaker in my main panel can stay the way it is.

 

[Stuart in MN]

You should probably read through this other current thread on the same topic: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257955

 

[Zeke]

You know that the #2 won't fit the recp so you need a large j-box to pigtail the #2 to two #10's or even 8 stranded. I'd use wire clamps in a separate box and run the wires individually to each recp.

 

[superskaterxes]

You know that the #2 won't fit the recp so you need a large j-box to pigtail the #2 to two #10's or even 8 stranded. I'd use wire clamps in a separate box and run the wires individually to each recp.

This was more of my question but i did learn something from stuart as well!

Can you post a link to the wire clamps your talking about? i know the #2 is ginormous but i wasent sure what other options i had to attach down to a smaller gauge.

 

[pattenp]

I'm surprised you got #2 to fit a 30A outlet. You should put in a small sub-panel and then put the 240V outlets on separate circuits. How many wires does the SER have; 3 or 4?

Edit: Is the SER copper or aluminum? If aluminum you shouldn't hook it directly to copper using clamps/split bolts. You need the proper splice/reducer to transition from aluminum to copper. Look at Polaris connectors. The proper way is to use a sub-panel and have 2 circuits.

 

[superskaterxes]

I'm surprised you got #2 to fit a 30A outlet. You should put in a small sub-panel and then put the 240V outlets on separate circuits. How many wires does the SER have; 3 or 4?

It was very temporary and this thread is going to serve as a more permanent replacement. I contemplated doing the sub-panel but i havent quite decided yet and the fact that i have a 2-2-2-4 SER ran all the way back to my main panel already makes it convenient to just use what i have already.

 

[pattenp]

You can get a 2 space 60A main lug panel for less than $15 and a couple breakers for less than $10, so for $25 you have an easy way to add the two 240V outlet circuits.

 

[superskaterxes]

You can get a 2 space 60A main lug panel for less than $15 and a couple breakers for less than $10, so for $25 you have an easy way to add the two 240V outlet circuits.

hmm i guess that makes sense. Is the rule regarding the max # of circuits in a subpanel w/o having a main breaker 6 spaces or 6 circuits?

 

[superskaterxes]

Would this be a good panel from lowes?

http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&productId=3134331&cId=detail


Square D 12-Circuit 6-Space 100-Amp Main Lug Load Center
Item #: 36242 | Model #: HOM612L100SCP

 

[volleyball]

I'd go wit something bigger like
http://www.lowes.com/pd_536990-296-HOM12L125C_1z0yt2s+1z10xme+2z8vm__?productId=50085324&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1%26page%3D1&facetInfo=Square%20D|$25%20-%20$50

So you can add more if you want. Yo are going to use 4 spaces for those 2 breakers, that would leave 2. You don't want the boxes that can have double the number of circuits as there are spaces.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

hmm i guess that makes sense. Is the rule regarding the max # of circuits in a subpanel w/o having a main breaker 6 spaces or 6 circuits?

Six handles.

Charles

 

[pattenp]

So you can add more if you want. Yo are going to use 4 spaces for those 2 breakers, that would leave 2. You don't want the boxes that can have double the number of circuits as there are spaces.

Why are you saying not to use a panel listed with more circuits than spaces?

 

[pattenp]

The requirement of having a main disconnect when there are more than 6 circuits to be disconnected applies to panels that are located in a different structure from where the main service panel is located.

hmm i guess that makes sense. Is the rule regarding the max # of circuits in a subpanel w/o having a main breaker 6 spaces or 6 circuits?

 

[superskaterxes]

The requirement of having a main disconnect when there are more than 6 circuits to be disconnected applies to panels that are located in a different structure from where the main service panel is located.

Really? so an attached garage wouldent qualify for that? If the rule is really 6 throws then i should be way under for what i plan on adding anyway.

 

[pattenp]

Since the sub-panel will be in your house where the main panel is you aren't required to have a main breaker in the sub-panel. If the sub-panel is located far away from the main panel then you may want a main breaker in the sub-panel as a matter of convenience.

Really? so an attached garage wouldent qualify for that? If the rule is really 6 throws then i should be way under for what i plan on adding anyway.

 

[volleyball]

Why are you saying not to use a panel listed with more circuits than spaces?

If you are getting a box, go by the number of spaces you will need plus room for expansion. To get the extra circuits, you will need expensive double circuit breakers which are 120 only.
You can use a 6/12 but wit your 4 used it leaves 2 spots. If you are sure you will never add on, go for it. But with a convenient panel maybe you do or a future owner will and then you wish you had a little bigger panel.
I had a 20/40 sub and I replaced it with a 40 because it would be easier and cheaper in the long run.

 

[pattenp]

You can get a Quad Tandem that is one double pole and two single pole.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You can get a Quad Tandem that is one double pole and two single pole.

Its funny how people always forget about quad breakers!