Another consideration is that internally to the trailer wiring the
manufacturer might have shared neutrals, which is fine as long as circuits
sharing a neutral are on opposite phases. Even if you plug each of your
split-circuit plugs into separate circuits, if they're on the same phase (in
the breaker box), any shared neutrals in the trailer could be overloaded.
This is dependent upon the total load used on both circuits.
Karl
-----Original Message-----
From: Shop-talk [mailto:shop-talk-bounces@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
MattMahony
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2014 8:54 AM
To: shop-talk@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Shop-talk] Electrical safety question (and Alaska local
question)
Eric;
The problem is that you are supplying two branch circuits (in the
trailer) from a single branch circuit (the duplex receptacle). Your total
available amperage is limited by the single branch circuit and it will be
easier to trip the single breaker feeding that branch. This setup is a
violation of the NEC but it wouldn't be unsafe as long as it is properly
grounded.
It truly would be more convinient in the long run to supply it with a 240V
15A circuit. Most generators have this output capacity. A 12 Ga, 3 wire
with ground cable is not that expensive and would make your setup portable.
Matt
On 7/24/2014 6:26 AM, eric@megageek.com wrote:
> OK, so I picked up a used 'construction office' trailer this weekend.
> The idea for me is to use it as a mobile studio for the SO to paint
> and do other crafts.
>
> The trailer was already wired for 240v. Inside the trailer each leg
> becomes a separate 15 amp circuit (on their own breaker.)
>
> Here is what I did temporarily to get power to the trailer (and what I
> want to do permanently if it is safe.)
>
> I spliced the 240v line into two separate 120 volt lines. (splitting
> the common and ground into each plug.)
>
> This way, I just need to plug both plugs into a duplex receptacle
> (much more common) and I don't need to have a dedicated 240v outlet to
> use the trailer.
>
> There are no 240v circuits inside the trailer that would require 2
> separate 'legs'.
>
> Is this safe? (or 'safe enough')
>
> The power is just for the lights, and a fan, radio, glue gun or
> something like that. I'm not running any heavy duty equipment from
> it. (I may add a TV or video game cabinet at some point.)
>
> Am I crazy?
>
> Side note- I'll be in Anchorage, AK next week. Anyone here up in
> that part of the woods? I'll buy lunch.
>
> Eric P
> "Be as beneficent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a
> rational being are trenched on, die on the first inch of your
> territory." Ralph Waldo Emerson
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