fuse box and amp question

[rootfingers]

Hello Ic thanks for looking here, I need some help on what I think is a relatively minor question.

Here's the scenario, I run a timer box from a dryer plug that runs straight into my fusebox. The timer box is rated for 30amps and I have always used a 30amp breaker in the fuse box for it. Well, it doesn't fit at the new spot ( I own the smaller variety and this one requires the bigger one) but there is already a 50amp breaker that goes to the back of the stove but isn't needed because there is a gas hookup for the stove now.

So my question is, would it be okay to just connect my dryer plug to the 50amp breaker and would that be safe?

 

[madpenguin]

No. Not unless you want a fire. Your dryer cord is only rated at 30A. Therefore, it can only be attached to a 30A breaker.

Am I correct in understanding that you cut the end of your dryer cord and are hardwiring it to a breaker in your panel? Shouldn't do that if so. Not without splicing to #10 AWG solid in the panel for the connections.

BTW, what "doesn't fit at the new spot"? I'm a little confused with how your wiring it. "smaller variety" of what? "bigger one" what?

 

[rootfingers]

Thanks madpenguin, this stuff is a lil hard to explain for me. Let me try to clarify. I have a timer box that I use to plug my 4k of light into and it has one of those big 240v dryer plugs that brings the power into it. To set it up I have been running three wires (the wires I have the guy said could handle 50amp) from a 30amp breaker to a dryer plug outlet that the timer box plugs into.

As far as not fitting, the old place had the smaller squareD fuses and the new place has the bigger ones. I have a 30amp breaker for the smaller one but it obviously won't work on the bigger one.

The new place does have a 50 amp breaker that is not being used right now so I was hoping to save a few bucks by using it instead of buying a bigger 30amp to fit the space.

I hope this makes sense, I'm not great at explaining this stuff.

 

[madpenguin]

I'm still a little confused...

Who said your wires were rated for 50A and which wires are you talking about? The cord that comes out of your timer box or the wires that feed your dryer receptacle? If you are to use a 50A breaker then all wires need to be rated for 50A.

If you only have #10 AWG coming out of your panel and then attached to the dryer receptacle, then you have to use a 30A double pole breaker.

Also, I assume when you say "fuse", you mean "breaker". They serve the same function but are entirely different. A fuse screws into your panel and a breaker snaps in and has a throw switch.

I still don't know what you mean by smaller and bigger ones. Do you mean a single pole breaker vs a double pole breaker? A single pole breaker uses one slot in your panel and a double pole breaker uses 2 slots. The double pole breaker will have 2 switches that have the handles joined (like your 50A breaker is).

Sorry, but I am still unsure of what you are working with. But, if this indeed a dryer receptacle and not a range receptacle that your trying to plug into, then you can not use that 50A breaker. Go to Lowes and fork out the 15 or 20 bucks for a new breaker.

 

[madpenguin]

I think I might understand a little better. You just moved and there is no existing dryer receptacle? You still need to set all this stuff up? Are you re-using your old cable and receptacle?

It also sounds like you might have a 50A timer box but I'm not sure. Please post the technical specs of all equipment/receptacles/wire that are involved. Here is a chart on receptacles and plugs. Please tell me which receptacle you are using and which plug you are using. You keep saying "dryer" so I can only assume you are using a NEMA 10-30 Receptacle.

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showpost.php?p=2288479&postcount=61

Sorry, but I don't understand all the variables yet... Markings on the cable sheathing that is to feed the receptacle is important as well.

So to clarify:

1.) Markings on outer cable sheathing that is to feed the receptacle
2.) Which NEMA receptacle
3.) Which NEMA plug
4.) amount of breakers and their ratings in the timer box couldn't hurt as well.