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Running electric from a subpanel

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05-12-12, 09:43 AM

Dexter125

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Running electric from a subpanel

Hello guys, you have been so helpful over the past month I figured I could have another question answered by you.

I currently have a 60 amp double pole breaker in my basement feeding a subpanel in my garage. My question is, can I put in a 15 amp, 20amp, and another 20amp (all single pole) breakers from that sub panel, or do they need to be double pole since that is what the subpanel is?

Thanks in advance!
D

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05-12-12, 09:49 AM

ray2047

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Single pole is fine in the subpanel assuming 120v circuits.

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05-12-12, 09:51 AM

Dexter125

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When you say "assuming 120v circuits" you mean on the circuits coming out from the subpanel?

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05-12-12, 10:35 AM

Furd

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IF the sub-panel has a four-conductor feeder (hot, hot, neutral and equipment ground) then yes, single pole circuit breakers serving 120 volt circuits are acceptable. If the proposed circuit is 240 volts then you need to use two pole circuit breakers. If the sub-panel does NOT have a neutral conductor in the feeder then it is a 240 volt only panel and may not serve 120 volt loads. A 240 volt only sub-panel is rarely installed.

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05-12-12, 02:33 PM

pcboss

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The reason for the two poles is to provide the two hot legs that supply 240 volts to a circuit. A single pole breaker can only supply a 120 volt circuit.

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05-13-12, 07:43 AM

CasualJoe

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Quote:

can I put in a 15 amp, 20amp, and another 20amp (all single pole) breakers from that sub panel, or do they need to be double pole since that is what the subpanel is?

Are you sure you want to attempt this? No offense intended, but you don't seem to have a clue about how electrical work is installed or how it works.

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