Posted: 2/15/2014 6:33:12 AM EDT
|
I want to install an interlock on my breaker panel. I currently have a 40A double pole breaker in the top right position. The wires come in from the top so to move it to the bottom will require extending the wires. Can I add on a length of wire to get the length to move it and if so, what is the best way to do so? Wire nuts? Something else? Also, the wires are stranded. Do I need to use stranded to extend it? |
|
Quoted:
Wire nuts or butt splices. Stick with stranded wire. Should be #8 THHN for the extension. You will need the Big wire nuts, a good butt splice will be better. You can get the butt splices with set screws if you don't have the proper crimper. Big box or hardware store will sell the #8 by the foot |
|
big wire nuts. Wire doesn't matter as long as its rated for the amperage, solid works better in a panel (for smaller circuits like 15-20 amps) because it kinda maintains its shape. The stranded will curl up on you on smaller sizes, possibly causing it to touch a live circuit. That can be real bad. I suppose at 40 amps youre using 8, so stranded is better. Tape it good.
|
|
I have all intentions of moving the one breaker to the bottom, but one other question: What about a half size double pole breaker in place of the stove breaker and a half size above it for the interlock? Would this put too much power in the upper corner of the box? Is it considerable "more better" to move the breaker? |
|
Quoted:
I have all intentions of moving the one breaker to the bottom, but one other question: What about a half size double pole breaker in place of the stove breaker and a half size above it for the interlock? Would this put too much power in the upper corner of the box? Is it considerable "more better" to move the breaker? You can do that, the small breakers are kinda $$. It would not place too much of a load on that corner, all breakers are fed from a buss bar that is rated for the max amps of the panel/main. |
|
Quoted:
I have all intentions of moving the one breaker to the bottom, but one other question: What about a half size double pole breaker in place of the stove breaker and a half size above it for the interlock? Would this put too much power in the upper corner of the box? Is it considerable "more better" to move the breaker? you can't use a tandem ("half size") breaker for the generator backfeed -- it has to connect to both phases of the box, otherwise half your branch circuits are not going to have power. a tandem breaker only sits on one phase. hence, you need a full width 2 pole breaker for the backfeed. ar-jedi 
|
|
Quoted:
Can I add on a length of wire to get the length to move it and if so, what is the best way to do so? Wire nuts? Something else? http://www.amazon.com/Gardner-Bender-HSB-28-Butt-Splice/dp/B001AWP7OG ar-jedi 
|