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nonicruz · May 19, 2008, 02:34 PM

I decided to go with a gas dryer and will be removing the 240 receptacle and replace it with 120. Can I use the heavy gauge wire already in place along with the circuit breaker, which is 50 amps or change it?:confused:

Stratmando · May 19, 2008, 02:46 PM

You can cap unused hot at both ends, #12 pigtails wirenutted to the #10? to allow wire to fit on breaker and on receptacle. Then you need a 20 Amp single pole breaker for protection.
If needed you can reidentify 1 of the hots at both ends wit white tape and will be the neutral.

Washington1 · May 19, 2008, 03:57 PM

If needed you can reidentify 1 of the hots at both ends wit white tape and will be the neutral.

Please present a code reference that permits re-identifying the ungrounded conductor to white in this case.

To the OP,

Do you have copper or Alum wiring?

stanfortyman · May 19, 2008, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Stratmando

If needed you can reidentify 1 of the hots at both ends wit white tape and will be the neutral.

Yeah, that's definitely a no-no for #10!

A #10 neutral MUST be white all the way.

donf · May 19, 2008, 06:46 PM

Ninicruz,

Back to the start. You are allowed to use only the Black, White and ground conductors. Although, if it not too much of a task, you might want to consider replacing the current conductors with 12 AWG, which is rated for 20 Amp.

You will need to get a permit since you are changing a circuit within the Main panel.

The 50 Amp Dual Pole breaker has to be removed, That is not an option! Replace the breaker with a 20 amp single pole/single throw breaker for your new circuit. The conductor size for 50 AMP is #6 AWG conductors, not # 10 AWG. Personally, I would not recommened using #6 conductors to carry 20 Amp. You can do it, but #6 AWG is really thick and hard to work with. You must also get a slot cover that will fit into the main panel's cover to block off the open slot left by removing the 50 Amp Breaker.

In the Main Panel box: If you choose to use the existing conductors, you can cap off the red lead. Leave the White and Ground where they are. Connect the black lead to the new 20 amp breaker. (DO NOT INSTALL THE BREAKER YET)

At the outlet end: Remove the existing 50 amp faceplate and receptacle. Cap off the Red lead. Connect the black, white and ground to the new outlet. Install the new receptacle and faceplate in their proper positions.

Go back to the Main Panel and install the breaker, turn it on and test the circuit. If everything is working fine, call the AHJ and have the work inspected.

Keep the inspection approval with your home owners insurance papers.