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    pdh's Avatar
    pdh Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 8, 2008, 08:12 PM
    Wiring for a 240 heater
    I have installed a receptacle for a portable heater that runs on 240. I used 10/2 wire and a 30 amp breaker. It seems that I am only getting 120 off the breaker.

    I used the black and white wires to the breaker and the ground to the ground bar.
    The receptacle is grounded.

    Any ideas what I have done wrong.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #2

    Nov 8, 2008, 08:32 PM

    Are the poles of the breaker tied together by a bar?
    pdh's Avatar
    pdh Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Nov 8, 2008, 08:57 PM
    Yes it is a double breaker
    pdh's Avatar
    pdh Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Nov 8, 2008, 08:59 PM
    I did try the breaker in the main panel and it worked fine. I have moved it to a pony panel but I didn't think it would matter.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #5

    Nov 8, 2008, 09:53 PM
    How big is the heater? Did the instructions recommend a certain SIZE circuit?

    What made you arbitrarily pick #10 and 30 amps??

    What brand panels are they?
    pdh's Avatar
    pdh Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Nov 8, 2008, 10:57 PM
    The heater is industrial. I was advised that it required 30 amp and 10/2 wiring.

    The panel and breakers are stab lock. When I test the breaker with a volt meter I get 120 on each side.

    For some reason it appears that the breaker is spit.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #7

    Nov 9, 2008, 03:17 AM
    Sound like a "tandem" circuit breaker, two separate poles or circuits in one full size breaker.

    Placement of this type of breaker is critical in a panelboard.

    Sounds like you have it in one standard breaker slot, in which case, only one leg of the two inside a panel has been connected to. The result will be 120 vol output on both poles, fine for two 120 volt circuits, but impossible to get 240 volts.

    A tandem breaker is intended to connect to both hot legs in a panel, so the result will be 240 volts.

    Or you have a half size two pole 240 volt breaker, same case, must connect to both legs in panel, not just one.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #8

    Nov 9, 2008, 07:11 AM
    If it is a Stabloc panel then I bet you are not installing it across the two busses. It is quite easy to install it wrong.

    WHO told you to use #10 and 30A?? What does the heater draw? How many watts is it?
    pdh's Avatar
    pdh Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Nov 9, 2008, 09:26 AM
    The heater is 4800 watts 240 volts.

    I notice that there is another 30 amp breaker in the box for the dryer that seems to be working well.

    I did try the breaker in the main panel and it worked fine. My problem seems to be with the pony panel.

    Are you saying that I need to replace my 30 amp breaker for a 30 amp tandem breaker.
    Would this be what they are using for the dryer.
    pdh's Avatar
    pdh Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #10

    Nov 9, 2008, 09:27 AM

    Is there a way for me to connect the one breaker to both legs in the panel.
    pdh's Avatar
    pdh Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #11

    Nov 9, 2008, 11:21 AM
    Thanks everyone. The problem is fixed. I had the breaker in a single slot. Of course, once I crossed both bars everything was fine.
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