110v and 220v on same breaker

[chic_bowdrie]

This is my first posting and I am a DIY homeowner . My question refers to an attic conversion to two rooms needing separate electric heaters. My plan was to put both 240v, 2000watt heaters on the same circuit, then split of two 110v circuits for window AC units. Initially the inspector said this wasn't code. When I picked up the permit, he said I could do it as long as the breaker was 2-pole. Now I don't plan to use the AC and heaters at the same time, but isn't it possible that one pole of the breaker would go off with the heater on? Why wouldn't a 1-pole (tied) breaker be preferred, let alone forbidden by code?

 

[jason]

Re: 110v and 220v on same breaker

look in ther yellow pages under "electrical"

 

[tom baker]

Re: 110v and 220v on same breaker

Chic we can't explain this to you in simple electrical terms, I suggest you contact an electrical contractor or electrican. This site is designed for:

Contractors
Electricians
Engineers
Inspectors
Instructors
Other electrically related individuals

 

[iwire]

Re: 110v and 220v on same breaker

Chic,

From the way you describe what you want to do, I would say your in over your head.

If I understand what you are asking, it would be a code violation.

You and your family sleep in this house do you want to take chances?

You should take the advice of Jason and Tom, get a professional involved.

Try going to some electric supply houses (not DIY stores) and ask the counter people for some names of electricians that do residential, the counter guys have a good idea of who is reputable and who is not. (if they have been there awhile)

We are not saying this to make work for us, the travel is a little far.

Click on this symbol

on the replies you have got and you can see who is responding.

I believe NJ requires permits and you should have one, I am electrician and I have a permit for work in my own house, your insurance carrier might be able to bail out for damages do to a fire caused by uninspected work, if you are around to know there was a fire.

[ March 23, 2003, 10:20 AM: Message edited by: iwire ]

 

[charlie b]

Re: 110v and 220v on same breaker

Originally posted by chic_bowdrie:My plan was to put both 240v, 2000watt heaters on the same circuit, then split of two 110v circuits for window AC units. Initially the inspector said this wasn't code. When I picked up the permit, he said I could do it as long as the breaker was 2-pole.

To answer your question, it?s a matter of safety. You can only get the 240 volts by using two poles of your circuit breaker panel. This can be physically achieved (not legally achieved) with either a pair of 1-pole breakers or a single 2-pole breaker. But if you use a pair of 1-pole breakers, and if you (or some future repair person) wants to work on the heater, it would be necessary to turn off both breakers. The danger comes in when you see a breaker labeled ?heater,? turn off that one breaker, and think (incorrectly) that the heater has been safely de-energized. In order to prevent an accidental shock, you have to use a two-pole breaker, so that both energy sources are turned off at the same time. If this means that working on one air conditioner requires you to turn off both, then that is the price of safety.

By the way, a pair of 2000 watt heaters at 240 volts would draw 16.7 amps. That is more than 80% of the capacity of a 20 amp breaker. Therefore, you would have to up-size to a 25 or 30 amp breaker, and to #10 wire. Did you already take that into account? If not, then you might better understand why members of this forum recommend obtaining the services of a professional.

 

[chic_bowdrie]

Re: 110v and 220v on same breaker

Although I am in over my head on this issue, I do know a good web site when I see it. You are fortunate to have this resource.

Bob, I did get a permit and that's what generated my question. My father-in-law is an electrician and the plan was his idea, but I didn't understand it. The attic I am converting is in my newly constructed home rebuilt following a fire. So it is not sufficient that the job be done by an electrician, family or not. I want it done right, too.

Charlie, I specified 10g wire and 30 amp breaker in my permit application. I didn't know 25amp was available and obviously I didn't understand the difference between 1 or 2-pole, so I appreciate your comments.

I also got one very helpful private message. Thanks. Do I need to close this topic now?