Think I need a new subpanel :(

[NightOwl]

All,

I have started to notice that when I run my vacuum cleaner downstairs in the basement it trips the breaker. How much should getting a sub panel installed and does anyone have any recommendations on electricians.

 

Thanks,

Henry

[jason the filter freak]

Could you have an issue with your vaccume and not the pannel?

[NightOwl]

Pretty sure is its not the vacuum. Before adding the second tank everything was fine with the vacuum . Since the second tank has been around the tripping of the breaker is 100% after about 2 mins of running it :(. Using it is pushing it over the top.

 

Thanks,

 

Henry

[Nitro Junkie]

I've had that happen to me a time or two. I shut down the lights before I vacuum and had not had a problem since. I could probably use a new panel also. Just a temp fix.

[Brian Ward]

Having a subpanel installed can be pricey - new main panel for the house typically runs about $1000, I'd figure no less than $500 for the subpanel, and that's probably not going to include materials. I just put up a subpanel, pulling 6-3 wire (for 50A circuit) to the panel at $2.40/ft plus $20 for the panel, plus the cost of breakers. I have done extensive electrical work in the past so if you want help, I could possibly be bribed over for frags, cash and/or labor assistance on my build.

 

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a licensed electrician. Any assistance I provide is just that, assistance. I can provide my knowledge of electrical circuit design, and my limited knowledge of the electrical code, but don't sue me if something goes wrong. This is friendly help and advice only. Sorry for the doom and gloom, but I'm not game for torts between fish nerds

 

~Brian

Edited August 28, 2007 by Brian Ward

[Rascal]

All,

I have started to notice that when I run my vacuum cleaner downstairs in the basement it trips the breaker. How much should getting a sub panel installed and does anyone have any recommendations on electricians.

 

Thanks,

Henry

 

Before you do that, have you checked to see whether you have room for any more breakers on your main panel? If so it would be easier and cheaper to just put it a new circuit. I am even more NOT an electrician than Brian and I have done two of these. It really isn't that hard. http://www.askthebuilder.com/B320_Installi..._Breakers.shtml

[extreme_tooth_decay]

Before you do that, have you checked to see whether you have room for any more breakers on your main panel? If so it would be easier and cheaper to just put it a new circuit. I am even more NOT an electrician than Brian and I have done two of these. It really isn't that hard. http://www.askthebuilder.com/B320_Installi..._Breakers.shtml

 

 

You could also consider putting the vacuum cleaner outlet on another circut, depending how

easy it is to get to your wiring, and how it's wired, that could be an easy job.

 

tim (also not an electirican, but has done a lot of electircal work)

[NightOwl]

Sorry had not checked this thread in a while...Thanks for the advice. I think I have two possible sollutions. The basement is currenly a 15 AMP breaker. Would increasing to 20 AMP make it any better? The other option is adding another breaker I have almost an half empty box. Not sure what that would entail but could be worth an option. I would have replied sooner so sorry for the delay. Is there ayway to auto subscribe to threads you start?

 

Thanks,

 

Henry

[Carl]

You cannot just swap out a 15amp breaker for a 20 amp breaker...it is likely the wires (probably 14/3)currently on that circuit can only support 15 amps. It would be best to run a new wire from the panel to where you need it.

 

And while you're running a new wire, you may as well run two, if you have to open the wall anyway. That way you'll be set if you expand your tanks in the future and need more electricity. It will also give you redundant circuits - split your heater(s), pump(s), light(s) between the two new circuits in case one ever flips...like when you're on vacation or something...

[Brian Ward]

Sorry had not checked this thread in a while...Thanks for the advice. I think I have two possible sollutions. The basement is currenly a 15 AMP breaker. Would increasing to 20 AMP make it any better? The other option is adding another breaker I have almost an half empty box. Not sure what that would entail but could be worth an option. I would have replied sooner so sorry for the delay. Is there ayway to auto subscribe to threads you start?

 

Thanks,

 

Henry

 

 

Yea, don't just swap the 15 for a 20 if you don't know what you're doing. The electric infrastructre in the house likely cannot handle 20A on the wire.

 

Adding another breaker would be your best option. It would involve buying a breaker and some 12-2 Romex, a connector for the panel if there isn't room in one of the existing ones, and running the wire from the panel to where you want the outlet(s). It's not hard depending on how much finished vs unfinished space you have.

 

~Brian

[NightOwl]

Carl and Brian,

Is there anyway to look at the wiring and see if its for 15 or 20 AMP breakers I have a few mixed breakers in the box. Do they do the mix the wiring in the house the majority of the time? My basement is finished except my shop/laundry room area :(. I guess its turning into a tear the walls apart project :(.

 

Henry

[Brian Ward]

Carl and Brian,

Is there anyway to look at the wiring and see if its for 15 or 20 AMP breakers I have a few mixed breakers in the box. Do they do the mix the wiring in the house the majority of the time? My basement is finished except my shop/laundry room area :(. I guess its turning into a tear the walls apart project :(.

 

Henry

 

Not really. You can look at the wire coming out of the breaker and see if it's 12 or 14, 12 is rated for 20A, 14 for 15A (roughly). You never know what was done in other places in the house where they branched the circuit - whether the builder did it, or a previous owner, you just never know. Your best bet is to just run a new circuit since you're risking a fire otherwise. Do you have access above the ceiling of the finished section from the unfinished section? Depending on which way the joists run, you may be able to fish a wire with minimal disruption.

[Tee]

Henry,

I bet you my pay check that the original contractor installed #14AWG in your basement. This is residential, and 99%, electrician install #14AWG for a 15Amp breaker. #12AWG is more expensive. Home deport have a circuit trace, that you can use to trace your circuit. If you don't do a circuit trace, you wouldn't know if other receptacles in your basement is in the same circuit or not. I guess you just have to do a trial and error to find out if any other receptacle in your basement is not in the same circuit of the original receptacle you plug your vac in.

It kind of a waste if just install another dedicate circuit for a vacuum. I installed dedicate circuit for my Entertainment system.

Another thing you might do is to get another vacuum with less wattage from the one you have now.

Tee

---------------------------------------------

 

Carl and Brian,

Is there anyway to look at the wiring and see if its for 15 or 20 AMP breakers I have a few mixed breakers in the box. Do they do the mix the wiring in the house the majority of the time? My basement is finished except my shop/laundry room area :(. I guess its turning into a tear the walls apart project :(.

 

Henry

[Carl]

Houses can be mixed...i.e. in my house there is a dedicated 15amp for the disposal and washing machine, and a dedicated 20amp for my microwave and my wire-closet. There is little to no chance (if the wiring was done properly) that your current 15 amp breaker has 12AWG wire (rated for 20 amps) attached to it.

 

You could put a new outlet in your wall very close to your electrical panel...and use that for the vacuum with an extension cord.

 

-Carl