Main Service Panel Full

bobo

hello,

a friend of mine wants to install an electric clothes dryer, but his main service panel is full. how can he install a sub-panel from the main panel so he can install the dryer? the dryer is 240v, so i assume he will need at least a 30a breaker, and 10-2 romex, with proper plug and outlet.

bob

gooch

is it full meaning that there are no more breaker spaces or you are exceeding the amperage rating. if it just doesnt have enough breaker spaces you can get whats called a peanut breaker. they are just smaller breakers that allow you to put more circuits in your panel. when hooking up 240v to peanut breakers you need to make sure you phase it right though. the guy at the hardware store should be able to tell you how to do this. it would be hard to explain the phasing with out showing it to you.

bobo

gooch,

i beleive there is no more physical room in the panel. i will find out, and also ask about phasing. thanks!

Speedy Petey

Wow, in 25 years I have heard "twin", "tandem", even "skinny"....but never have I heard them called "peanut" breakers. Where did this originate?

Bear in mind, twin breakers CANNOT be used for 240v loads unless they are the double, handle tied, "quad" style.

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Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

Tony Cunningham

trust me peanuts is a name for a slim line breaker....that i ain't ever heard

Jim Port

The correct wire wire be 10-3 + ground, NOT 10-2 + ground.

You would also need to install a 30 amp 4 prong receptacle.