Yet another spa panel question

[kcinpdx]

Hi all -

I currently have a 240v 3 prong outlet - a NEMA 6-20 T slot. It is the only outlet on double pole 30a breaker, so it seems like it would be easy to change this to a different outlet.

Here are the options:
1. change to a "normal" 3 prong 30a receptacle, use a spa panel and plug it in.
2. Change to a 4 prong receptacle, use spa panel

3. Change to a 4 prong receptacle, use a GFCI breaker.

The current receptacle is about 6 inches below the house panel, so running a new plug would be relatively easy.

The new panel build will be a 30a panel.

Thanks for any input!

 

[thekraken]

For #1 why do you need to change it to a different outlet?

 

[jleiii]

If the wires to the plug are 10 awg then you are fine with a 30 amp plug or connection to your 30a panel. If it's 12 awg then you have to change the wire, as it would probably be a code violation (and safety).

You can't switch to 4 wire unless there is an unused neutral wire in place. If not and you need neutral (to support 120v devices in you design), then you might as well re-wire the whole thing.

GFCI breaker vs SPA panel, really does not make a difference. Most (all??) SPA panels are 50 amps, and normally cheaper than a 50A GFCI breaker which is why they are more popular.

If you go with the SPA panel, and it's 50A, you will still be limited to your 30a circuit. I tapped into my electric oven 40A circuit for my spa panel, and it works fine.

 

[kcinpdx]

Thanks for the replies.
Looking at the 6-20 description it is a 20a receptacle, but since it is on a 30a breaker perhaps it doesn't matter.

I do have 2 pumps on my future panel, so it sounds like I need to change it to a 4 prong regardless.
Since it is a very short run (6 in max) the 4th wire goes to the neutral bus in the panel I would assume. I could then do spa panel or gfci breaker.

 

[jleiii]

Thanks for the replies.
Looking at the 6-20 description it is a 20a receptacle, but since it is on a 30a breaker perhaps it doesn't matter.

This may actually be a violation as well. You could overload the 20a receptacle and not trip the 30a breaker.

Re-wire with a 4 wire circuit and 'it will be beautiful'. Yes, the 4th wire (white) would be to the neutral bus.

 

[kcinpdx]

I'm going to re-wire the whole thing and use 4 prong and a separate panel. Seems like the safest way to go.

 

[Wizard_of_Frobozz]

If you are going to rewire the outlet with 4 wire, why not just replace the 30 amp breaker with a 30 amp GFCI? That's simpler than building a separate spa panel.

Spa panels are usually cheaper, but the difference is only about $20. A 30 amp GFCI breaker means you don't have to bother with a separate panel. I like to follow the KISS rule...

30 amp Homeline GFCI breaker: https://www.amazon.com/Square-Schneider-Electric-HOM230GFIC-Homeline/dp/B00N16KBLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486733571&sr=8-1&keywords=homeline+gfci+breaker+30+amp

50 amp Homeline spa panel: https://www.amazon.com/Square-Schneider-Electric-HOME250SPA-Homeline/dp/B000BQT1AS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486733742&sr=8-2&keywords=spa+panel

 

[kcinpdx]

Rats. That's a good idea. But I just bought the spa panel and all the stuff yesterday! I suppose I could bring it back....

 

[thekraken]

If you are going to rewire the outlet with 4 wire, why not just replace the 30 amp breaker with a 30 amp GFCI? That's simpler than building a separate spa panel.

Spa panels are usually cheaper, but the difference is only about $20. A 30 amp GFCI breaker means you don't have to bother with a separate panel. I like to follow the KISS rule...

30 amp Homeline GFCI breaker: https://www.amazon.com/Square-Schneider-Electric-HOM230GFIC-Homeline/dp/B00N16KBLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486733571&sr=8-1&keywords=homeline+gfci+breaker+30+amp

50 amp Homeline spa panel: https://www.amazon.com/Square-Schneider-Electric-HOME250SPA-Homeline/dp/B000BQT1AS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486733742&sr=8-2&keywords=spa+panel

The problem is finding a decently priced 240V GFCI breaker that fits one's particular model breaker box. In my case it was $100 cheaper to go with a spa panel.

Also, check to see if the breaker inside the spa panel you bought just might fit inside your breaker box.

 

[Wizard_of_Frobozz]

The current receptacle is about 6 inches below the house panel, so running a new plug would be relatively easy.

Another option would be to take that 50 amp GFCI breaker from the spa panel you bought and put it in your main panel (assuming it's the same type as your main panel). Then run new 6 gage 4-wire from the breaker to the outlet and change it to a 50 amp plug. 6 inches of wire + a 50 amp outlet won't cost that much. You can use what you already have purchased, and get a 50 amp service to your rig. There's no problem plugging a 30 amp load into a 50 amp circuit, and if you ever wanted to go bigger, you are all set!