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creahands · Jul 3, 2009, 06:32 AM

Hi guys

What are ramifications of splitting a 220/240 volt circuit between 2 double mini breakers?

Use the bottom of one mini double and the top of the double mini below it.

Can a strap be put on the trip switches to make it function the same as a full size 220/240?

Back ground info

Have 2 full size 15 amp 110 breakers each with #14 wire.

Have a full sized double 15 amp breaker with #12 wire.This breaker does not have a 220/240 bar tying the trip switches together. Color of wires is black and red. I think it should have a tie bar.

Purpose

Would be adding 50 amp 220 breaker in place of double 15 amp breaker.
Move wire from full size 15amp 110 to top of one mini double breaker.
Move wire (red) from full size double 15amp breaker to bottom of 15 amp mini.
Move wire (black) from full size double 15amp breaker to top of 15 amp mini.
Move wire from full size 15 amp 110 breaker to bottom of mini.

2nd alterative would be to put in a 50 amp sub panel. Would need info on doing this.

Tks

Chuck

tkrussell · Jul 3, 2009, 06:58 AM

Any 240 volt breaker must have a tie between poles. If one leg has a short or overcurrent, both poles must trip to de-energize the entire circuit.

Certain brands make a full size 2 pole breaker with 4 poles, two inner tied and two outer tied. Murray comes to mind. What brand panel do you have?

No one makes an accessory tie that you looking for, that I am aware of.

http://cmsapps.sea.siemens.com/murra...y_02/02_07.pdf

creahands · Jul 3, 2009, 09:06 AM

I have a GE Cat# TRM2010S Model3
100 amp service. Believe it is vintage 1972, when house was built.

I have the material to make a tie bar.

Would it be a problem if I tied the lower on one mini to top of other mini?

Tks

Chuck

tkrussell · Jul 3, 2009, 09:56 AM

Making your own parts is not allowed, all electrical material in the USA must be UL Listed.

creahands · Jul 3, 2009, 11:06 AM

What if I take the tie off another switch?

Chuck

tkrussell · Jul 3, 2009, 12:55 PM

Now you have me confused, are the two breakers next to each other? I thought they were apart with other breakers in between?

creahands · Jul 3, 2009, 01:20 PM

I will have 2 double minis next to each other.

Will use bottom of one and top of other for the 220.

See post #1 under purpose for total layout.

Chuck

tkrussell · Jul 3, 2009, 01:26 PM

So you have a handle tie from Murray or similar? If it fits on the GE TQL handle, then go for it. I am not sure it will fit properly.

Try to test it by only pressing on one handle to confirm it opens the other breaker quickly.

Really better to use a real 2 pole breaker, as they are built with internal common tripping mechanism to insure both poles open due to a problem.

There is always a chance that your method one pole can open due to an event, but not actually open the other pole, thus leaving voltage on a circuit with a problem.

Don't you just hate electricians? We got a reason for everything.

All for safety.

creahands · Jul 3, 2009, 03:45 PM

My alternative is to put in a 50 amp sub panel.

Could u give me step by step for doing this?

The sub panel would be within 1' of main and hold 2 -15 amp 110 breakers and 1 -15 amp 220/240 breaker.

Chuck

tkrussell · Jul 4, 2009, 04:41 AM

Mount a subpanel, feed it with 3- #6 wire for the two hots and one neutral and 1 #10 green for equipment ground, feed it with a 50 amp breaker.

Beyond that I don't do step by step instructions.

Get back with a plan or diagram and we can help with the details that may be incorrect or missed.

creahands · Jul 4, 2009, 05:36 AM

Thanks TK

That's all I need. Really appreciate all the time u spent with me.

Chuck