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#42063 09/21/04 06:08 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 697
D
Member
Fred, my reasoning for not using shared neutrals is that a thoughtful weekend warrior (even one with some electrical experience) won't overfuse, but may move breakers around without understanding that it's causing a fire hazard. Of course, a fool with a screwdriver can kill himself or burn his house down.

Do you really try to sell a sub-panel on a one circuit job when there are four to eight available spaces in the distribution panel??? I think that would be a tough sell. I'd have a hard time keeping a straight face telling the homeowner they needed it.

Dave

[This message has been edited by Dave55 (edited 09-21-2004).]

#42064 09/21/04 07:58 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 449
F
Member
Dave55, No, I wouldn't try to sell a sub on a 1 circuit job. I rarely do a 1 circuit job but when I do, I sure appreciate it when the original sparky planned for that eventuality. I was talking about new construction in my post. What do you think would prompt a weekend warrior to move breakers around? There would be no reason to move breakers in a 40ct panel as there are no positions available for tandems unless the weekend warrior was going to defeat the tab on the breaker and install a tandem anyway. But then we're back to the fact we all must face: You can make an install idiot resistant but not idiot proof.

#42065 09/21/04 08:06 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 697
D
Member
Now I'm with you Fred. I hate going into a fairly new house and finding a 200-amp, 30-space panel full of breakers with no space. I need one circuit and have to add a sub-panel because the original electrician was too cheap to go the extra $50 for a 40-space panel (low-bid work).

Dave

#42066 09/22/04 12:02 PM
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 186
N
Member
If you were trying to leave a few open spaces for the future, then why not just mini it down later or at that very moment. I find adding a sub for a circuit or so as described above is a joke!! Why upgrade in the first place then.

#42067 09/22/04 06:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 751
E
Member
I have found that a lot of branch circuits are underloaded and that you can usually find two branch circuits to combine into one, thereby gaining a slot for your additional branch circuit. The trick is in determining which two to combine. It may take a lot of research and sleuthing, but it pays off in the long run.


Earl
#42068 09/22/04 06:07 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 449
F
Member
NJ Wireman, Nobody was talking about an upgrade. We were discussing new construction. This is just me, but I refuse to install panels made to accept minis. For the extra cost of 6 minis you could have had a 40 ct panel.

#42069 09/22/04 10:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 186
N
Member
Regardless, new or old const. to leave open empty spaces and put in a sub panel is (once again A Joke) and a rip off, wouldn't last to long around here. I did new const for many years from track homes to multi millon $ custom homes and it would have never flew but that is around here if it works for you so be it. But dont be surprised when you get under cut by another ec on the next job due to word of mouth about cost. every home owner somehow knows somebody, who Claims (LOL) to know something about electric. and thats how it all starts.

#42070 09/22/04 10:36 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 524
Member
...Wow,..wiring a whole house in EMT,..sounds really tough,..it'd take me 2 years.. [Linked Image] [Linked Image]My GC would definetly fire me!! I can run pipe ok, but I'm not that proficient with it, as I don't do it often enough,..oh well practice makes perfect,(or alot of wasted pipe doglegs)..I guess.. [Linked Image] [Linked Image]
Russ


.."if it ain't fixed,don't break it...call a Licensed Electrician"
#42071 09/22/04 11:00 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 697
D
Member
After laying a few thousand feet it gets kind of boring, Russ.

Dave

#42072 09/22/04 11:25 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 524
Member
... Dave, with that kind of experience you could probably, literally write your name in pipe!! [Linked Image] [Linked Image]
Russ


.."if it ain't fixed,don't break it...call a Licensed Electrician"
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