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    helprequest's Avatar
    helprequest Posts: 13, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Feb 1, 2009, 01:21 PM
    Breaker to feed a sub panel
    Hello All,

    I have run out of room on my main panel and was planning to run a sub panel to the back of the house, about 25ft.

    Is there a specific type of breaker needed to run a connection to a sub panel? I have an unused 50/50 amp breaker (See picture) that I was planning to use. All the literature I have read doesn't get specific about the type of breaker to use, I'm hoping that means a standard one will work.

    Items I will be running on the subpanel are:
    Dryer
    Washer
    Bathroom Lighting
    Bathroom GFCI
    Laundry room lighting and receptacles

    I calculated the amps required and 50 amp would be more then sufficient.

    Thanks
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    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #2

    Feb 1, 2009, 01:37 PM
    A 2p50 with 6/3 cable would be a fine setup.

    Something that concerns me is that single pole 30 on the right.:eek: What is that feeding??


    Also, first chance you get I would replace that panel. An upgrade to 200A would not be a bad idea, and getting RID of those Zinsco:eek: breakers would be a GOOD idea.
    helprequest's Avatar
    helprequest Posts: 13, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Feb 1, 2009, 09:48 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by stanfortyman View Post
    A 2p50 with 6/3 cable would be a fine setup.

    Something that concerns me is that single pole 30 on the right.:eek: What is that feeding???


    Also, first chance you get I would replace that panel. An upgrade to 200A would not be a bad idea, and getting RID of those Zinsco:eek: breakers would be a GOOD idea.
    That 30 amp is feeding the lighting for two bedrooms up stairs, one outlet, and two can lights in the kitchen. That's part of the reason for me wanting to create a sub panel, to shift stuff around to the proper breakers, I need to put in a few more 15amps.

    I can't afford to upgrade the entire system. I can buy a new 125 amp rated sub panel with five 20amp breaker for the same price as one Zinsco breaker.

    You mention getting rid of the Zinsco breakers, is there a cheaper alternative where I can leave the panel and replace just the breakers to a newer & safer manufacturer?

    I have just started researching electrical and there is a bunch of stuff wrong, most things in the house are either on the wrong size breaker or do not have a dedicated circuit where they should. My home inspector when buying the house was terrible.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #4

    Feb 2, 2009, 04:29 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by helprequest View Post
    You mention getting rid of the Zinsco breakers, is there a cheaper alternative where I can leave the panel and replace just the breakers to a newer & safer manufacturer?
    Unfortunately there are no retrofit breakers that I know of.
    Besides, the buss design is the real key issue with those panels.


    Yes, PLEASE, change that 30 to a 15 (or 20 depending on the wire) as soon as possible!

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