Running a 240 circuit.....

[wrench409]

My original plan was to just run a single 240 circuit from the new sub panel across the attic area of the garage to power the compressor I have mounted outside the garage.

Afterthought now is to add a drop along the way for an outlet plug on a wall for future welding plans.

The question is - when I run the wire thru a junction box, do I cut the wire to make the branch to the wall plug and use wire nuts on the 10 gauge wire, then and continue the run to the compressor? Is this acceptable in NEC code? Wire nuts on 10 ga stranded? Seems like it isn't, but that's why I'm asking.

The circled area in the drawing below is what I want to add.

Thanks!

 

[Speedy Petey]

Sure, wire nuts are fine for #10. For three #10's I'd use grey's or 3M blue/grey's. And be sure the box is big enough.

You also need a disconnect outside at the compressor. And are you sure a 30A circuit is enough for a welder? Most smaller migs might be fine, but you are not going to run a stick welder on 30A & #10.

 

[Rickcnc]

Just wondering if the compressor is outside the garage, is it protected from moisture / weather. Would you need some Ground Fault protection?

 

[wrench409]

Sure, wire nuts are fine for #10. For three #10's I'd use grey's or 3M blue/grey's. And be sure the box is big enough.

You also need a disconnect outside at the compressor. And are you sure a 30A circuit is enough for a welder? Most smaller migs might be fine, but you are not going to run a stick welder on 30A & #10.

Okay, thanks, I was kinda thinking the current draw might cook the nuts. The box where the flex proceeds has the disconnect.

RE: Box size. Will do on the size.

Just wondering if the compressor is outside the garage, is it protected from moisture / weather. Would you need some Ground Fault protection?

Good point. It is protected from the elements inside a storage shed but I will still add the protection you brought up. It couldn't hurt.

 

[sparky36000]

Okay, thanks, I was kinda thinking the current draw might cook the nuts.

If the overcurrent device is sized properly and the splice is done correctly there shouldn't be any heat to cook the wire nuts. Splice away.

 

[Norcal]

Just wondering if the compressor is outside the garage, is it protected from moisture / weather. Would you need some Ground Fault protection?

GFCI's are not required for 240V circuits.

 

[PT Doc]

Looks like you could end up having the welder and compressor trying to run simultaneously. You would likely flip the breaker. As long you remember to only run one, it should be ok but how things are specd out now I don't think this would pass.

 

[Speedy Petey]

....., it should be ok but how things are specd out now I don't think this would pass.

Why not?
The only thing I can see is since the compressor is hard wired it would be limited to 50% of the circuit. If a receptacle was installed it would be perfectly within code, and the receptacle would also be the means of disconnect.

Agree, NO gfi protection is required.

 

[wrench409]

Well, I dropped the extra 240 v plug idea. I do not need a 240 plug inside the garage.

I did however swap the sub panel out today. I was very surprised how tough it is to bend/twist the cables into place, but I got it mounted per NEC Code.

I have all the wire (10 gauge stranded - red, black and green) and 12 gauge stranded - black, white and green) bought and am now planning my PVC conduit runs for every circuit. I had no idea how much planning was involved for each different type of circuit, switch loops, outlet drops, etc. Now I know why electricians are so highly paid.

Problem is I over looked the bare ground wire I need to pull with the circuits and am now trying to find a 250' spool of 12 gauge and 100' of 10 gauge bare copper ground wire. And both box stores do not carry it (except by the foot). Seems redundant to have the green in there and have to add the bare ground for PVC conduit. Or an I missing something?

I have temporarily routed two circuits using the old original Romex so I could have lights and the garage door opener. I'll be glad to get rid of all that nasty looking Romex.

Time for our 41'st wedding anniversary dinner......

Thanks for all the pointers! I'll be needing more!

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You only need a ground, not two. Just pull the green ground, no need for the bare wire.

Charles

 

[ovilla]

What happened to the future welder plans (or possibly 220 for a car lift)?

 

[wrench409]

No way a lift would fit in this old garage. The welder plug - I found an easier way and it will be on it's own circuit to boot.

 

[nwav8tor]

wrench409,

Is that a Corvette logo in your avitar? If so, what year do you have?

Paul

 

[wrench409]

wrench409,

Is that a Corvette logo in your avitar? If so, what year do you have?

Paul

No, not a Vette logo.

It a fender script for a 1962 Chevrolet 409.