I put in lower-rated receptacle, now what?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
I put in lower-rated receptacle, now what?
I recently replaced an electric laundry unit located in a closet off a dinette. The old receptacle was 240V 30-amp in a two-gang box. The new machine is 240V, rated at 10 amps, and requires a 6-15R receptacle, which I put in.
There are four wires coming into the box. I hooked up the two hots and ground, put a wire nut and tape on the neutral, and am in business.
Would like to know what to do next? Do I need to replace the breaker with a smaller one? One thing I've considered is putting another 6-15R in the box and connecting it with a pigtail.
Thanks.
There are four wires coming into the box. I hooked up the two hots and ground, put a wire nut and tape on the neutral, and am in business.
Would like to know what to do next? Do I need to replace the breaker with a smaller one? One thing I've considered is putting another 6-15R in the box and connecting it with a pigtail.
Thanks.
#2
Member
New Receptacle
What gauge wire is in the circuit? What is the amperage rating of the old breaker?
#3
Since it is a 15 amp plug use a 15 amp breaker.
Why? Generally on a 240v circuit it is one receptacle per branch circuit. Second breaker rating shouldn't exceed receptacle rating.
One thing I've considered is putting another 6-15R in the box and connecting it with a pigtail
#4
Also general use circuits are limited to a 20 amp maximum. Adding another receptacle would not change this.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
OK, I'll put in the 15-amp breaker. 240V outlets are useful and I had hoped to get another one out of this since there is plenty of room in the box and 10-gauge wiring going to it.