I have been kicking around the idea of a sub panel that I could run off a dryer outlet-does anyone have any suggestions? I would use it for temp. heat (220volt) and 2-4 20amp circuits. It would be convienient as most jobs I work on have a dryer outlet but rarely an outlet circuit that can handle a compressor.
Thanks
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The problem is that in most areas the drier for installations before 1996 they do not have a ground connection. They only have a neutral. You need a 4 wire connection to do it safely.
While this would not be to code I think that it would be reasonably safe if you got a 240/120 GFCI and ran it through that before the sub-pannel. I don't know of any standalone 240/120 GFCI's, but they make the circuit breaker types and boxes that are used for spa disconnects.
Most dryers are wired on a 30amp. circut W/#10 wire .........I dont think a sub-panel 4 circuts would work but 2 should be ok .........you might want to consider using the range outlet they are 50amps ...........good luck
The range outlet is on I had not thought of. Are most buried behind the range?
Thanks for the response! I had forgotten about the lack of ground on the three prong outlet. Any tricks (that are safe not foolhardy) to deal with that? Also while I was planning on 4-6 circuits I did not think I could or would load them all at once.
" Any tricks (that are safe not foolhardy) to deal with that?"
As I said in my orginal message a 240/120 GFCI would give you the equivalent protection. With that use the grounded outlets, but don't connect the ground to anything.
Going that is legal for retro fitting grounded outlets into older homes.
Technically it is not legal, but it shoudl be safe.
Well my plan is now to use a 12' 3 prong dryer cord to a 60 amp 12 space panel with a 30 amp GFI breaker as the main breaker. Thanks for the GFI suggestion
Josh
"with a 30 amp GFI breaker as the main breaker"
I am not sure what kind of parts you will find. But I don't think that you can find a breaker to do that with. Unlike a regular breaker you can't back feed it. The most common ones expect the "line" to be on the bus bars and the load on the terminals.
I think that you will need to get one of the double space boxes designed for disconnects and spa service. Mount that piggy back to the sub-pannel.