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yor1
Jun 21, 2007, 03:34 PM
Is is possible to run 240 through a gfi and split it into 2x 120 circuits without tripping the GFI?
Can the 240 be put through tw0 110 gfi breakers and avoid the suggested conflict that the dogleg creates when connected to the neutral?
Can the dogleg be connected to the ground instead of neutral and so avoid the tripping that occurs with the gfi using the neutral bar?
My Box is set up with the two hot leads a Ground( green) and a grounding copper.. and a white lead from the main breaker box.. The green is on one bar and the white is on another.. The dogleg at this time is attached to the white bar..
My reason for doing this is to avoid running a new line but requiring a couple of cicuits while retaining the availability if I need it later..

tkrussell
Jun 21, 2007, 03:39 PM
What you propose is not possible. The only way two circuits can be on one GFI breaker is to use a 2 pole 120/240 volt GFI breaker. Not very practical, since these breakers cost wholesale $130.00.

yor1
Jun 21, 2007, 04:18 PM
I believe the breaker is a 240 2 pole gfi... the breakers are connected by a bar... It was used for a spa a 600 dollar installation ( the electrics)... I am about to check to see if it has a silver screw for the neutral to the spa.. I am suspecting that the neutral connection would eliminate the tripping as its not interupting the pigtail neutral connection? Am I correct in this?

tkrussell
Jun 22, 2007, 02:40 AM
The question seem to change, maybe it is just me.

What does "I am suspecting that the neutral connection would eliminate the tripping as its not interrupting the pigtail neutral connection??" mean?

If the existing breaker is a 2 pole, one with a handle tying two breakers together, it may be a 120/240 volt ( as most are) or may only be a 240 volt.

A 120/240 volt 2 pole GFI breaker will have the neutral terminal on the breaker, to which the b neutral wire of the branch circuit must connect to, and the pig tail must connect to the neutral bar. If wired any other way the GFI will not work properly.

This is assuming a 4 wire branch circuit, 2 hots, with one shared neutral, and the equipment ground.

If this breaker was formerly for a spa, what is the amp rating?

tkrussell
Jun 22, 2007, 02:40 AM
The question seem to change, maybe it is just me.

What does "I am suspecting that the neutral connection would eliminate the tripping as its not interrupting the pigtail neutral connection??" mean?

If the existing breaker is a 2 pole, one with a handle tying two breakers together, it may be a 120/240 volt ( as most are) or may only be a 240 volt.

A 120/240 volt 2 pole GFI breaker will have the neutral terminal on the breaker, to which the b neutral wire of the branch circuit must connect to, and the pig tail must connect to the neutral bar. If wired any other way the GFI will not work properly.

This is assuming a 4 wire branch circuit, 2 hots, with one shared neutral, and the equipment ground.

If this breaker was formerly for a spa, what is the amp rating?

yor1
Jun 22, 2007, 12:02 PM
I guesss if I had used my eyes I would have been a little nearer understanding.. Yes the breaker is a 120/240.. it only has one neutral connection it would appear one side of the unit has neither a trip /test button or a neutral silver screw.. ( I have only ever worled with 110 gfi 's so this type of gfi is new to me.. )
The pigtail and the neutral only attach to one of the breakers...
After reading a couple of other posts It appears strange that the Spa did not have neutral connected to it.. One must assume ( I think) that all ran on 240( heater and pump)

Now as to the question regarding Neutral..
I was referring to connecting the neutral at the breaker which appears to be the way to run a neutral when using a 240 gfi...
But your info has been most helpful..
Am I right in understanding that one May not tap off a 240 line to run a 120? But is is permisable to use the 120/240 breaker to run 2 120 circuits?

The breaker is paired at 50 smp snd 50 amp.. in other words both breakers have 50 amps on them..

tkrussell
Jun 22, 2007, 01:00 PM
Since the breaker is a 50 amp, the new circuit will be 50 amps. So if you plan to use this breaker for a standard circuit with standard outlets, cannot do that.

So what is your plan for 2 120 volt circuits?

A 120 volt circuit needs one hot and one neutral wire, therefore cannot get that from a 240 volt circuit, unless that circuit has a neutral.

What are you trying to achieve? This 2 pole 50 amp GFI may not work and you may be better off installing two 120 volt 20 amp or 15 amp breakers.

yor1
Jun 22, 2007, 04:16 PM
I wanted to run two 120 circuits while retaining the option of converting to a 240 circuit should I need to.. So the question I had previously tried to ask was can I use the 50 amp lines on individual 120 gfi breakers.. What I am using this for is a covered patio and a line to a pool pump both using 120. So the gfi is definitely needed... As leaving the 240 in and tapping is not on, your suggestion of using 120 breakers would seem to be the working option. Thanks..

tkrussell
Jun 22, 2007, 04:22 PM
OK I am glad we got to the bottom of your question, just keep in mind, and to be perfectly clear, that two individual GFI single pole breakers will not work with two circuits that share a neutral. You must use two 2 wire cables (plus ground).