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hawkeyebee
Dec 3, 2007, 11:38 AM
Can anyone help with how one might pull an unused 220 amp circuit breaker and put 2 110 breakers in its place? Can it be done?

donf
Dec 3, 2007, 12:16 PM
Yes, you can remove a 240 VAC breaker and replace it with 2 120 VAC breakers.

The work would involve a knowledge of electricity and the NEC codes as well as Electrical Permit.

If you are not experienced with electrical work inside of the main panel box, stop now and call a licensed electrician.

If you choose to go on then: Step one is turn the 240 VAC breaker off. (If you are not sure where to put your hands inside the box - turn the main breaker off) Remove the Panel Box's top cover. Then, push Away from the Center) and rotate (Down in the back, up in the front) the double pole breaker. The 120 VAC breakers are replaced by reversing the previous instructions.

Now, while the 240 Breaker is in your hands, remove the two load bearing leads Black and Red (If you are using a 4 wire installation) or White (if this is a 3 wire installation). Next, remove the White wire from the Neutral Bus bar and Ground wire (4 wire) Green or Bare to the Neutral Bus Bar.

Now both the breaker and the cable feeding the upstream load are loose. Place the breaker to the side.

Now it's knowledge time, you need to know the load size (amperage) of the desired devices that you want to replace on the two new breakers.

If the maximum amperage is to be 15 amp (breaker) or 20 amp (breaker), then you need to either remove the 240 VAC wire from the wall and install a new conductor of 14 AWG or 12 AWG. 4 AWG is used for 15 amp and 12 AWG is used for 20 amp.

Install the new wire and receptacle per NEC Code. Turn the breaker back on and then test the new receptacles that you have installed.

Please note that because you are removing a breaker and its associated conductor and then installing two new breakers and their associated conductors and receptacles, you should get a permit and have the work inspected.