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Tapping into exsisting breaker

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born lucky

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Apr 29, 2007
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OK here goes.
I want to run a line to my detached garage but my pproblem id that I am out of breakers.
I was thinking of tapping into my hot water heater fuse. This fuse is a 40 amp.
I was planning of tapping into this and running that 220 line to the garage. At the garage end I was thinking of adding a sub box and then hooking all lines into that sub box.
Do you guys think this is OK or am I asking for a fire?
Thanks in advance
 
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aandpdan

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I don't know if you are asking for a fire but I don't think it's OK either.

What brand/model panel do you have? Some can take tandem breakers so you could free up 2 slots to connect a new feeder to your garage.
 
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born lucky

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Old Buss and screw in fuses. The water heater is on a separate sub box alone it has 2 20 amp buss fuses.
 
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aandpdan

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OK,

2 - 20 amp fuses on a 240 volt circuit is a 20 amp circuit, not a 40 amp.

What size service do you have? How large a feeder do you need/want for your garage?

I'd suggest you upgrade the panel. Are you planning to get his inspected? The inspector is very likely going to have some issues.

Plan on running 4 wires to the garage.
 
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born lucky

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I just want a permenant line out to the garage.
You see I am renting the house and the landlord has a extension cord running out to the garage. So this extension is on the same breaker as many other units in the house.
I just would like the 20 amp straight to the garage. I plan on running 60 of line with a 8/3 outdoor wire.
 
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born lucky

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210Hardtop said:
What you're contemplating is just so wrong, it's obvious you are way over your head.
Service likely needs to be upgraded.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your advice.
I realize this is not correct I allways had doubt that is why I am asking for input.
The panel is outdated and I am not the owner so I will leave it be.
As far as being over my head I am not.I have worked with electricity for a long time. I am just not licensed.
 
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wyliesdiesels

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If youve been doing electrical a long time then u would know that a) two 20a fuses feeding a 240v appliance does NOT equal a 40a service or feeder and b) a high draw 'continuous-load' appliance or device, such as a water heater, needs to be on a dedicated circuit. Furthermore, if you still have fuses in your main service panel, it should DEFINITELY be upgraded!

Also, u shouldn't be doing electrical on a place u rent because a)you can be held liable if anything goes wrong and b) u can get busted legally by the state if they catch u doing any contracting work without a license!
 
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theoldwizard1

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There is no cheap/easy way to "do it right" ! Not doing it right could cause a fire and then you would be responsible.

You will likely have to install a completely new main breaker panel to accomplish what you want. You can save money by digging the trench from the house to the garage. If the electrician just installs the main and sub panel, you can save more money by doing the new wiring from the sub in the garage

Talk to the landlord about sharing costs. The landlord should do the contract with the electrician,
 
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bczygan

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bornlucky (Ironic),
Funny how those who want to DIY often want to jury rig things.

Not to say that a carefully thought out alternative method can't work.

But when you don't have the extra set of eyes and the mind of an inspector OR an licensed pro, it begs the question...shouldn't you then do things super properly?

The fact that you are asking questions means there is some doubt in your mind. At least get a pro to look at your plan and see if it will work.

Trouble with alternative methods is, that even if they work for the short term, people down the line will have to deal with them.

If it were me, even without permits or a licensed electrician doing the work, I would do it to code and get the work checked by a knowledgeable person.

Based on what you've said so far, you are going to need to continue to be "Lucky".
 
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Speedy Petey

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born lucky said:
As far as being over my head I am not.I have worked with electricity for a long time. I am just not licensed.
Click to expand...
WHAT does having a license have to do with it?

This statement above, and the others in this thread, prove you are in over your head.
 
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210Hardtop

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Hey Lucky, we're trying to help you!
Everyone has to learn, but it needs to be under the supervision of an experienced tradesmen.
At least have someone, preferably an electrician tell you what needs to be done.
You really shouldn't be working on a rental property, here in Ontario you can work on your own property if you take out a permit.
Huge liability issue if someone were to get hurt or killed from something that you did.
First thing the landlord will say in court " I never asked him to do that"
Be careful !
 
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wyliesdiesels

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Modesto, CA
born lucky said:
I just want a permenant line out to the garage.
You see I am renting the house and the landlord has a extension cord running out to the garage. So this extension is on the same breaker as many other units in the house.
I just would like the 20 amp straight to the garage. I plan on running 60 of line with a 8/3 outdoor wire.
Click to expand...

Didnt catch this earlier:

This doesn't quite make sense but if you're saying what i think you're saying(feeding 8/3 N/M wire with a 60a breaker), then u clearly DONT know what you're doing and if u do this, u very likely could have a fire from overloaded wire if you load the wire upto the rating of the breaker!
 
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eljefino

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Feb 21, 2008
Messages
336
Do you have an electric range? If so get gas, get a cheap used gas stove and free up its breaker, er, fuse for what you're going to do. Got a dryer you don't use? Put up a clothesline. You can use a laundromat if it's rainy all week. Don't put in writing between you and your landlord that you put the power in. Or hey see if the gas company will rent you a hot water heater. You get the drift.
 
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