Sub Panel Wiring

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480sparky said:
PhotoVoltaic. Or, solar cells.
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Thanks Ken-- PV= photovoltaic. The inverters are expensive and sometimes they only install one so you only get 120V not 240v. I install a regular panel with just one phase connected-- I call it the PV panel.:smile:
 
480sparky said:
I still run into an occasional 120v-only resi service. Triplex is dropped to the house, but one hot is folded back and taped off.

If there's a panel, it's jumpered from one lug to the other.
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Why would they not use the other leg if it's available?
 
steelersman said:
Why would they not use the other leg if it's available?
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There's only two wires in the present service. Usually old SCR-type cable. Many times, it's run inside the walls, so it's not handy to replace. Old meters can be 120v only as well.

These are old services... from back in the 30s and 40s. They didn't need 240 for a range because they cooked with wood. Never had central air installed.
 
480sparky said:
There's only two wires in the present service. Usually old SCR-type cable. Many times, it's run inside the walls, so it's not handy to replace. Old meters can be 120v only as well.

These are old services... from back in the 30s and 40s. They didn't need 240 for a range because they cooked with wood. Never had central air installed.
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Somewhat off topic...
We have a house here in UK and another in GA.
In UK, all domestic supply voltages are 230Vac. Everything runs off that.
In GA there are two different supply voltages derived from a center-tapped pole-mounted transformer. For me, that just seems to be an avoidabe complication.
 
Dennis, I've just gotta say this (re: your avatar): Your dogs must hate you! If you had cats, they'd kill you. :grin:
 
Hey Dennis I'm sending you a basket of kittens, per Larry's suggestion.

Or as I like to call them "Ninja Kitty's of death" :D
 
this would also create a major difference between phase amperage in the main panel. The whole load of the sub panel would be on phase A of the main panel. Depending on the load you could trip the main. Very unorthodox.
 
Praedatus1 said:
this would also create a major difference between phase amperage in the main panel. The whole load of the sub panel would be on phase A of the main panel. Depending on the load you could trip the main. Very unorthodox.
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Good point that I didn't think about. Although I would never wire a sub-panel to only have 120Volts so I've never given it any thought. :)
 
dcooper said:
I run into this every now and then in an old house old 120v services that is.. the meters were 120v meters. But if you install a panel with an A and B phase and jump out the 2 phases isn't that not the intent for the panel use. So wouldn't that violate the UL listing? Wouldn't that put it in violation
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How would it violate the UL listing?

Here's a somewhat similar item I've had to do and I don't believe I violated any UL listing... Had to add 2 circuits in basement. One load was 11.5A and other was 9A. Basement was partialy finished and getting to main panel would require too much cutting and ripping. A piece of 10/2 was available since old hot water heater was removed and changed to gas. Fed a AC disconnect with the 10/2, jumped the Black between the lugs and made the White neutral. Swapped the 240 breaker that was in it and installed a 115 and 120 for the 2 circuits. Then changed the 230 breaker in the main panel to a single 30 and moved the white to the neutral bar. Did I violate any UL listings?
 
It is my understanding that if you don't use a piece of equitment the way it was intended to be used then you would violate the UL listing. If you have a panel that is made for 240V and you only feed 120 and jump out the other leg then that isn't the intendend use for that panel....
 
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