Circuit breaker question

beantole

The manual for my Minn Kota Endura MAX 55 lb Thrust trolling motor calls for a 60 amp circuit breaker @ 12 VDC. Max amp draw 50 amp.

Will this Blue Seas 285 series 60 amp circuit breaker work?
Max Operating Voltage: 48V DC
Interrupt Capacity: 3000A @ 48V DC

beantole

Are Cutler Hammer and Eaton interchangable?

beantole

Well, you guys knew so much on dryers I thought I'd run one more past you. In the house we moved into last month we need a few more circuit breakers. It is a 200 amp panel with 20 slots. I want remove one 110v breaker and replace it with what I call a "piggyback"double breaker. That is where one breaker has 2 little switches or midget breakers on it and runs 2 110v circuits separately in the same space as a regular 110v breaker. The local fire chief says that is unsafe. I don't know why. Something with heat build up I think.My old electrician used them in our old house all the time to make more circuits. Why do they still sell them everywhere if they are unsafe?? Are they unsafe? Thanks.

Pelican

If they truly were dangerous the code would not allow them to be sold. What the inspectors consider is the total amperage load.

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"Audemus jura nostra defendere"- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't let yer mouth write a check yer body can't cash!

Varmintmist

if you are out of slots, instead on trying to cheap out of it, you might want to get a sub panel, a small 10 slot and run it off the main with HEAVY wire like 0 gauge or better, depending on the load, that would give you more slots safely, and you can take the sub panel nearer to where you need the power, go to Home Dumpster, or Lowes or a good local hardware store, ask questions you'll get answers

sealyon

They are safe to use. You don't double your amp use by adding piggybacks. Your 200 amp main will still only hold 200 amps no matter how many circuts you have. By adding one or two you just have a 22 slot 200 mp panel instead of a 20 slot. They are tested and rated the same as a full size breakers. I wouldn't want a panel full of them but a couple won't hurt.

@anubis@

The side effect of current flow is just that...heat. I would do what varmintmist suggested but that's me. [This message has been edited by @anubis@ (edited 01-19-2002).]

beantole

Thanks guys. One of the main reasons I want to install a few "piggybacks" is because a few of the breakers already have more than one wire going to it and the home inspection company said that was not safe. I figure piggybacking is probably safer that 2 wires on a single breaker? I'm open to more opinions. That second smaller 10 slot box is an option too but if I can get by with a few piggybacks I'd like to do that. Thanks.

talon

This is one area where you better not guess. Your house and your family may be at risk. Talk to a licenced electrician in your area.

timberbeast

Never run more than one wire to a single breaker!!! Put in a sub-panel as Varmintist suggests, then you won't have to worry."Maybe" you could clear mud out of a shotgun barrel by firing it. "Maybe" you won't have a fire if you use more circuits than your box is made for.

barto

also bear in mind that you shouldnt put all your piggybacks on the same leg.(those conductor bars down behind the breakers) .the ideal is to have equal current draw on each leg.i believe your power bill is based on the higher consumption of the two.(might be wrong on that one, though.) barto

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the hard stuff we do right away - the impossible takes a little longer

Iconoclast

I had a master licensed electrician install dual control breakers a few places in my main box - if that's what you're speaking of. But there may have been reasons why that worked safely for me which wouldn't pertain to you. A subpanel is the safest way to go and having a real electrician do it would be far smarter than doing it yourself if your knowledge is so limited that you are seeking the answer here (mean no offense, BTW). As others have noted, a mistake on such a project is not unlike making a mistake w/ a firearm - consequences can be fatal.

Judge Dread

If overloaded the panel distribution bars burn-out specialy the all aluminum cheap ones so go for a new industrial quality box.

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_%_S

turbo

Beantole,You didn't say what the amperage rating is on the line your wanting to add the piggyback breaker.However, they are still allowed by the NEC, biggest thing to remember about doing something like this is:1. #12 wire has an maximum amperage of 20 amps, which figures into 2400 watts, you want to keep about a 15% reserve, which means you want to calculate your max wattage for each breaker at 2140 watts. the cheaper breakers sold at homecenters are not rated, that is to say they may not meet or exceed the heat rating, required for the particular application.2. The other issue is that although the NEC (National Electrical Code) allows use of these, all municipalities, and incorporated city and towns thruout the Nation can modify the use of any product within their jurisdiction.Let me suggest a good little book which covers alot of info that could be of great help to you, it's called "Wiring Simplified"(It colored usually green, in the electrical Dept)usually carried at large home centers, it's $7.00 cost is a well worthwhile investment for any homeowner.Therefore prior to making the ivestment, check with your local building department.It's always cheaper to do that first.[This message has been edited by turbo (edited 01-22-2002).]

steveamy

I would lean towards replacing the 20 space panel with a 40 space. The main would still be 200 amps. I also would agree with staying away from the aluminum buss and getting a panel with the copper buss.SteveIBEW LU231p.s. Don't forget to contact your local union contractor about doing the work for you.[This message has been edited by steveamy (edited 01-23-2002).]

timberbeast

Buy the book Turbo suggested and do it yourself after obtaining a permit from your municipality. If you can't get a permit without being licensed, that means the union has paid off your town officials to keep people from saving money by doing easy work by themselves.

sandman2234

I live in a house built by a licensed, union electrican. It was built by him, for him, and only lived in by him till he died. I could tell you some of the things he did.No, maybe I better not.Might give somebody some ideas. Actually he did ok on the house, probably due to having to have it inspected, but when he built the garage out back, he forgot all about "codes". My brother and I went in and fixed a lot of the problems, and then called the electrical inspector(I was installing a separate meter for the garage). The electrical inspector made us tear all the existing wiring out and redo it.Only thing he allowed me to keep was a couple of runs that I had put in. I have never had any formal training in electricity, but have picked up a lot by asking questions. Never do anything without talking to at least a couple of experts on the subject.Good luck in whichever way you decide to go, and be safe. Most insurance companies get bent out of shape about paying fire claims on houses that were burnt down due to the homeowner altering the wiring system.If all else fails, find a good electrician.

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Have Gun, will travel

sandman2234

Maybe I should not have ended my post with "If all else fails, find a good electrician." I think it should read, to prevent all else from failing, find a good electrician.This is not to say that you can't do it by yourself, just make sure you know what your doing before you do it.(and all the side effects)

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Have Gun, will travel

salzo

Perhaps you will think twice about hiring a union worker next time.

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Happiness is a warm gun

biganimal

What do you want to run on the mini breakers? Thats what they are called. I have worked in the electrical field for over 35 years as my father's assistant. We use MINIS all the time and they are safe if the intended load is within the parameters of the breaker, ie. lighting circut of 20 amps or less. These breakers ar very useful when you need another circut but don't have a space in the box for another full size breaker. We only use this type of breaker for low use circuts like outdoor lighting, ceiling lights, bedrooms that do not require a lot of electrical use such as computers, sterios, clocks etc....

sandman2234

Salzo, In defense of the Union guys, I didn't hire him, he owned the house, built it himself.(and it's built like a brick ....house if you know what i mean.) He built the 30x30 two story garage later, and wired it while on a binge, i think.

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Have Gun, will travel

daddo

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Set a subpanel next to the main panel- wire it with #4 (100 amp.) wire.(copper). Have four 240v sets (8-120v sets) and get it over with. Do it yourself for about- $80.00 or less. I do it all the time!! No inspection- read a book- whatever! Do it right and there's no problemo. .....Sorry.... If you need more help- I will advise. I promise to be nice!! HA!!