Another Shed power plan question.


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Old 02-15-19, 07:37 PM
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Question Another Shed power plan question.

I know there are several of these out there, but none of them addressed the issues/questions I am facing with my application.
So I am running power from the main panel in my garage to my Shed/workshop (12X20) about 60 feet from the power source.
Looking to power lights, and multiple GFCI receptacles.
I plan to operate small power equipment (table saw, router, air compressor, etc and possibly a small portable 120v AC unit)
I have buried 10/3 plus ground UF, and plan to use a twin 30amp single pole breaker (Square D - QOT3030) in the main load center and run it to a sub panel in the shop. The 2 wires - red and black each powering a side of the sub panel - shared common and grounded with two 8' rods buried 6 feet apart connected with #10 copper.
I will then spread the lights and receptacles evenly between the sides with 20amp breakers in the sub panel. I have plenty of room and six 20amp breakers on hand so I plan to put a GFCI and the lights on one and use the other five for the outlets. Each run will have a GFCI.
Specific questions:
1, What are your thoughts on my plan,
a. is it sound
b. will it work
c. will it meet the expected need
2, What is the drawback of using a twin 20amp single pole breaker (Square D - QOT2020) in the main load center as it has been very difficult to find the QOT3030.


Thank you in advance for any recommendations.
 
  #2  
Old 02-15-19, 07:52 PM
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You can't use a 'twin' breaker in the main panel. You need a double pole breaker. You need to have 240 volts between the hots. You need the QO230CP double pole.
Putting the shed breakers on opposite sides physically does make them on opposite hots of the feed. The hots alternate down each side.
 
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Old 02-15-19, 08:24 PM
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OK, thanks for the info...
The issue with the QO230CP is that I only have one slot (3/4 in space) available.
Do you know if there is a 2 pole 30 amp QO style breaker that will fit in one slot?

Wont I have 240 volts between the hots with the twin?
Red delivers 120 and black delivers 120...
I guess I must be confused.
 
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Old 02-15-19, 08:38 PM
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You need two slots no matter what you do. You can't feed the shed with a twin breaker.

With a twin both red and black are on the same hot in the main panel. You need full double pole breaker to get 240 volts.
 
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Old 02-15-19, 09:19 PM
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OH... OK, I see it now....
I will just have to combine 2 others in a twin...
So I am putting two (13 and 15 both 20 amp bedroom outlets ) in a twin in slot 13
Then 17 (dishwasher) and 19 (garbage disposal) in a twin in slot 15.
That will free up 17 and 19 for the shed.

Also, there are 2 different connections for QO series mounts, I have been told they are interchangeable.
Do you know if this is true?
 
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Last edited by DaveH357; 02-15-19 at 09:36 PM. Reason: pictures added
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Old 02-16-19, 04:24 AM
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You need to be sure the ones you are combining are not shared a neutral circuit. If any of the breakers have a red wire on them do combine into a twin.
The dishwasher/garbage disposal could be a shared neutral.
 
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Old 02-16-19, 06:26 AM
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OK, Thank you for the information.
I will let you know how it turns out.
 
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Old 02-16-19, 06:57 AM
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There is a mis type above.

it should read NOT

If any of the breakers have a red wire on them do NOTcombine into a twin.
 
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Old 02-16-19, 07:02 AM
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The extra metal book is a rejection tab. It is designed to only allow usage in certain slots of the panel. Not all panels allow tandems.
 
 

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