Chel_in_IL
Member
Hi all,
I own a 38 year old home that I am in the midst of remodeling. Almost done with the bathroom gut/remodel, and am going to work on the kitchen next.
My question is with the electrical box. Fiance' does electrical work, but didn't know the answers to my questions.
The pic is a Square D QON12M. The box cover itself has 20 knockouts for breakers. Some of the breakers have been replaced with double-pole. I have 100 amp service.
When I moved into this house 3 years ago, it had one 220 breaker that both the stove and a/c unit were on. I wanted an electric clothes dryer, so my dad (who used to be a union electrician) added another 220 breaker. Unfortunately, he's 80+ years old and has developed alot of medical problems, so he is no longer able to help me.
The wiring is such a mess - the upstairs bathroom outlet is on the same circuit as the downstairs bedroom. I've traced some of the breakers to what they are for, but usually I just have to plug in a radio and start turning off breakers to find out which one it is. When I tore the bathroom down to the studs, I found abandoned wiring and electrical boxes that were drywalled over, as the kitchen used to be on the other side of the wall. What a mess...
In addition, the switch knob for the main breaker is broken off.
So, questions...
What do I need to replace the main breaker? I didn't see anything at Home Depot; only entire load centers with a main breaker as part of the package.
Is there a way to expand this box internally, so more breakers can be installed for the kitchen remodel? The former owner added an addition on the house that is 10x9, which is where the kitchen currently is (cramped!), and I'm expanding it out into the original part of the house.
Any helpful information welcomed.. At least if I need to hire an electrician for work we can't do ourselves, I'll be somewhat versed.
Michelle in Northern IL
I own a 38 year old home that I am in the midst of remodeling. Almost done with the bathroom gut/remodel, and am going to work on the kitchen next.
My question is with the electrical box. Fiance' does electrical work, but didn't know the answers to my questions.
The pic is a Square D QON12M. The box cover itself has 20 knockouts for breakers. Some of the breakers have been replaced with double-pole. I have 100 amp service.
When I moved into this house 3 years ago, it had one 220 breaker that both the stove and a/c unit were on. I wanted an electric clothes dryer, so my dad (who used to be a union electrician) added another 220 breaker. Unfortunately, he's 80+ years old and has developed alot of medical problems, so he is no longer able to help me.
The wiring is such a mess - the upstairs bathroom outlet is on the same circuit as the downstairs bedroom. I've traced some of the breakers to what they are for, but usually I just have to plug in a radio and start turning off breakers to find out which one it is. When I tore the bathroom down to the studs, I found abandoned wiring and electrical boxes that were drywalled over, as the kitchen used to be on the other side of the wall. What a mess...
In addition, the switch knob for the main breaker is broken off.
So, questions...
What do I need to replace the main breaker? I didn't see anything at Home Depot; only entire load centers with a main breaker as part of the package.
Is there a way to expand this box internally, so more breakers can be installed for the kitchen remodel? The former owner added an addition on the house that is 10x9, which is where the kitchen currently is (cramped!), and I'm expanding it out into the original part of the house.
Any helpful information welcomed.. At least if I need to hire an electrician for work we can't do ourselves, I'll be somewhat versed.
Michelle in Northern IL