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View Full Version : Changing circuit breakers in a townhome


willia683
Mar 10, 2009, 04:02 PM
My townhome has a circuit breaker of 110 and there is a stackable washer and dryer that I want that requires 220 volts. Is it possible to get this upgraded? Is it very expensive?

KISS
Mar 10, 2009, 04:56 PM
Well, there isn't enough info here
In the US disribution is 240/120V; 110 and 220 went out long ago.

What we need to know is:
1. Is the 120 V circuit dedicated
2. What size wire is used
3. What is the breaker size (15 or 20A).
4. what does the new appliance require?
4a 240/120 4-wire (L1, L2, G, N) or
4b 240 3-wire (L1, L2, G)
4c Current requirements for new washer combo
4d. Are their free spaces in your panel?

And 5

How easy would it be to get a wire from the fuse box to the location of the combo unit and about how long is the run.

The answer could be as simple as changing/moving the breaker and installing a new plug

To having to run a new wire and insall a sub-panel or somewhere in between these.

stanfortyman
Mar 10, 2009, 05:12 PM
I'll say that there is a 99.999% chance you cannot do this.

Most every electric dryer in the US, and most every electric stack unit, requires a 120/240v 30 amp circuit.

Your "standard" 120v circuit will not have the wiring to support this.

You'll need to get a new circuit run.

ballengerb1
Mar 10, 2009, 05:14 PM
Do you currently have central air conditioning?

willia683
Mar 10, 2009, 05:36 PM
I live in a complex built in 1970. My apartment flooded and to accommodate me the landlord is allowing me to move into their townhome and they promised me I could take the stackable washer and dryer that was furnished in that apartment. Well now they are telling me that they can't and its impossible to move my washer and dryer because my townhome circiut breaker is too low to support it. My apartment circuit breaker is 220. And townhome is 110.and I'm not happy. What can be done?

ballengerb1
Mar 10, 2009, 05:47 PM
Please answer my question in post#4

stanfortyman
Mar 10, 2009, 05:55 PM
Also please see post #3.

willia683
Mar 11, 2009, 05:24 AM
Hello all who have responded to my question. I apologize for the late reply. I am new to this site. To post# 4, yes my townhown has central air conditioning. To post #3, I'm thinking that I will need new wiring for my townhome and I don't think that they will be willing to do this. Even after it was promised by the landlord. My only down fall is, I Didn't GET IT IN WRITING. I think that I am screwed.

willia683
Mar 11, 2009, 05:27 AM
To post # 2. I have no idea. I was just going by what the landlord people said to me. They promised me (verbally on three different occasions) to allow me to move their furnished stackable washer and dryer frm the one bedroom apartment that was flooded, to my townhome . Now they say that my wiring doesn't support the washer I had.

KISS
Mar 11, 2009, 06:32 AM
Post #4 was an attempt to determine if you likely have 240 service. 99.99% of all central AC is 240.

It does appear that we are of limited help without dialog.

Now, if you both had the notion that it would be easy, then try to meet halfway. Ask about getting a few estimates and offer to pay 1/2. Upgrading for those new washer/dryer combo's could be beneficial for the landlord in the future.