Check out some similar questions!

guitarlady7 · May 19, 2009, 10:02 AM

I have a 'Haunted House' at my family fun center, and we've automated everything in it to turn on with just one breaker. The breaker is a double 30A (powers two different circuits - NOT 240V).

The only problem is, the breaker box is located all the way in the back, and a lot of my employees are scared to go back there to turn on the switch, even with the lights on. (They're powered from a different source in the building)

So now, I want to wire up a switch to this breaker, and run it up to the entrance door.

I've done lots of electrical wiring, but nothing like this before.

Can this be accomplished by interuppting the hot wires on this breaker with a relay, or maybe one of those 'throw' handle type boxes? Sure appreciate the advice!

letmetellu · May 19, 2009, 12:21 PM

You could use an electro magnate with a relay that when you flip a switch at the entrance it will energize the electro magnate and that attached to the breaker bar will turn it on or off. Of connect the magnate to the throw handle on the box.

stanfortyman · May 19, 2009, 12:52 PM

You sure could use a relay. That's what I would do. This way the switch will carry very little current and voltage drop will not be an issue.

I hope this 30A breaker is not powering standard 15 or 20 amp receptacles. That is a big no-no.

I may be looking too deep into this but I get the feeling that you are in over your head working in this commercial setting. Are you licensed and insured to do electrical work? If not I would think twice about doing this work. All I can picture is hundreds of folks in this haunted house and there being an electrical problem. In the dark no less. :eek:

Stratmando · May 19, 2009, 02:11 PM

Good Points above, an Amprobe will tell you if you could reduce to 20 amp breakers. That will determine if you need 2 pole 20, or 2 pole 30 amp contactor.
You don't have to have Contactor or relay at panel. Since the Panel is at 1 end of the building, and switch, loads and entrance are in 1 other area, you could break there. Drop Ceiling?
If using a Light switch and 120 volts, you need a 120 volt coil contactor with the contacts rated for at least 30 amps.
You could have a transformer with the relay, so you could use low voltage wiring and switch.
X10 is another option. You can have a wireless handheld to turn 4(or more)on and off, and has an All On, and All Off. They even have keyfobs for control, keep on your Keyring.

letmetellu · May 19, 2009, 05:37 PM

Guitarlady7 may not be getting much out of this but I am getting an education. Thanks.

guitarlady7 · Jun 9, 2009, 11:33 AM

I have actually already accomplished the task - used a low voltage relay to a regular household light switch. - Works beautifully.

As far as electrical problems in the HH -No need to worry guys. (Besides, I haven't actually 'blown up' anything for at least the last 12 years or so... lol)
; )

I did go to school for electronics though it was several years ago, so I know enough to keep our arcade games up and running. I also 'invented' my own motion-activated audio players, and all kinds of devices to animate the props. I guess you could say that I'm always dabbling with something...

And most importantly, I also know enough to ask for advice when I need to.

Thanks all - appreciate it!