Need to add a Circuit to the Breaker!??!

[gertrude420]

I took a picture.....


Its the main panel in the house

The house is pretty old and I need to add a 30 amp 240 V circuit downstairs for 4 k lights. Just wondering how I am going to go about it.


It doesn't look like theres room to plug in any more switches...??

 

[gertrude420]

Wow I thought somebody here would know whats up....

 

[MTF-Sandman]

I'd seriously consider upgrading that panel to a newer one with more available spaces...you sure that's your main panel and not a subpanel?

 

[gertrude420]

Ya Its the only panel in the whole house , Inside and Out. and my meter is inside right next to the panel ? its not even outside... weird.. anyways.. ya thats the panel..

 

[SomeGuy]

Is that openings on slots 1 and 4? I've not seen a box like that but appears to be some knockouts there.

Best advise I could give is to make up a good story about why you want to add circuits and get an electrician in for an estimate. A sub panel is no big deal and the electritian would probably prefer to do it that way. Tell him you need a 240 for a dryer and 1 or 2 addtional 120's for an overhead flourescent and maybe a sewing machine or something. Draw him a simple diagram of your fictional setup that corresponds with what you are REALLY trying to accomplish.

The thing to remember is, even if you add a 240v you still need some 120's for pumps and fans and such.

As I mentioned in the breaker blowing thread, draw a diagram and figure out your requirements before proceeding.

 

[gertrude420]

I can probably add a 240 30 amp circuit myself or a normal 120 V 60 a Circuit , all I need is a panel upgrade from my old school 50's 6 switch 90 amp, to a 150 with lots of room for switches....

I gotta see what its gonna run me in the end... Im only planning on growing here for 2 grows... so 1000 bucks for a upgrade out of my pocket....

I will get an estimate for a panel upgrade I guess.

 

[Guest]

Man did you say the meter is right there by the panel?That panel is inside you home right?So the meter reader comes waltzing in once a month to read your KW usage?Something's funkier than hell here.Are you sure thats not a "breaker enclosure" for one or more large appliances like a central heat and air unit?Where are all your 14 wire branch circuits and corresponding 15A breakers?Somethings just not right man,you are 100% positive thats the only loadcenter on your property?Do you have an overhead service?Go out to the pole and follow the feeder conductors to where they terminate,something tells me we are missing something hereEDIT A "breaker enclosure" is simply a term for a disconnect switch,it works the same as a "knife switch" disconnect its just a different style.Basically an on-off switch for large loads.I think that may be what you have there.I'm hoping anyway.Follow your service drop like I said you'll know for sure then

 

[gertrude420]

ya il look into it.... i did a walk around the house thats where i saw it going in...il let ya know