Splitting Outlets
#1
10-12-03, 06:28 AM
Splitting Outlets
I want to add several outdoor outlets. I own a duplex and would like to split my outlets to both tenants. How would I use just one 12-2 wire to split it in 2 separate panels? I think I know how but want some advice.
#2
10-12-03, 10:39 AM
Member
In most cities, is it illegal for an unlicensed person to make changes to the electrical system of a building in which he does not live.
I'm not quite sure of your question, but one 12/2 cable cannot provide circuits from two panels. But perhaps I've misunderstood what you are saying. Can you provide more details?
I'm not quite sure of your question, but one 12/2 cable cannot provide circuits from two panels. But perhaps I've misunderstood what you are saying. Can you provide more details?
#3
10-12-03, 03:24 PM
more info.
I actually live in the duplex, just to let you know.
Let me explain. I was thinking of using the black wire for 1 circuit for the bottom unit as the hot wire of course. Then using the white wire as a hot wire for the upper unit circuit. Of course each one coming from the each individual breaker box. Then to ground I would use the copper ground wire for both circuits as the neutral This duplex is old and not grounded. I was thinking of grounding it out on a cold water pipe. Question is.......will this work okay with using one of the breaker boxes as the neutral for both. Thanks for replying.
Let me explain. I was thinking of using the black wire for 1 circuit for the bottom unit as the hot wire of course. Then using the white wire as a hot wire for the upper unit circuit. Of course each one coming from the each individual breaker box. Then to ground I would use the copper ground wire for both circuits as the neutral This duplex is old and not grounded. I was thinking of grounding it out on a cold water pipe. Question is.......will this work okay with using one of the breaker boxes as the neutral for both. Thanks for replying.
#4
10-12-03, 04:25 PM
what you describeing the wiring setup . that kind of setup is very dangerous and illegal . and all the outdoors repecticales required have GFCI protected and most area have some sort of codes required for outdoors repectcales . the only way and legal way is run each duplex GFCI repctales to own breaker boxs and i really suggest to get a electrican do that part becaue duplex home have very complated rules there
merci, marc
merci, marc
#5
10-12-03, 04:58 PM
Not a good plan at all.
What I wonder is why you would attempt this? in reality, two 14/2 cables should be able to go just about anywhere one 14/2 cable would. So the only difference is in the amount of cable used. Why would you want to commit multiple code violations and potentially open yourself up to liability issues? Doing so to save a few bucks on wire costs seems rather imprudent to me.
What I wonder is why you would attempt this? in reality, two 14/2 cables should be able to go just about anywhere one 14/2 cable would. So the only difference is in the amount of cable used. Why would you want to commit multiple code violations and potentially open yourself up to liability issues? Doing so to save a few bucks on wire costs seems rather imprudent to me.
#6
10-12-03, 06:20 PM
I guess you guys really know how to beat me up. LOL
The real reason for this is that there are outlets there already and difficult to get another wire in there.
However, I thought this might be the case that it is dangerous. It was just a creative solution I came up with and didn't know if this was a common practice or not.
Thank you for your replies.
The real reason for this is that there are outlets there already and difficult to get another wire in there.
However, I thought this might be the case that it is dangerous. It was just a creative solution I came up with and didn't know if this was a common practice or not.
Thank you for your replies.
#7
10-12-03, 06:33 PM
Member
Creativeone, thanks for checking. Most often in electrical work, "creative" equates to "dangerous." Your solution was so creative, however, that it was very, very dangerous in at least a half-dozen different ways. You are indeed quite creative. 
#8
10-12-03, 07:14 PM
Don't take it personally Creative. We're all concerned with your safety first and foremost. If you ever meet an electrician that doesn't take safety that seriously, run as fast as you can away from him. 
Electricity is serious business. It's not always difficult, not always mentally taxing, but it is always serious as a heart attack.
Electricity is serious business. It's not always difficult, not always mentally taxing, but it is always serious as a heart attack.
