I'm in a situation where I need around 20-24 amps continous of 110V
(for a milling electric motor), but my strongest circuit in my breaker
box is 20 amps. I have 3 15 amps and 2 20 amps. Is it possible to
have the AC circuits in parallel somehow to be able to safely
(relativly) use the combined currents? What hardware would I need? Am
I concerned with the ac cycles being off in some way?
Any other ideas?
There have been a lot of interesting replies to this question, and I am
glad to see that you are accepting those that steer you in the direction
of caution. I've got some questions that, if the answers are right,
might get you going safely and easily.
You say you have three 15A and two 20A circuit breakers. That's not a
lot, what environment are you in? It doesn't sound like a typical
residence. Are you in a separately wired shop or garage? If so, and if
you have to rewire, the job could be a lot easier than in a typical
house.
You've already decided to not try to parallel two circuits. Good. Now,
if you are confident enough in your ability to not poke around with your
fingers in places where they might get burned, take the cover off your
CB panel and look at the wires. In my house, I have a 20-amp breaker
that is dedicated to the kitchen range. Since I have a gas range, that
connection doesn't require much power, and is probably why the breaker
is only a 20, instead of a 40 or 50.
The wiring, however, is big (three conductor, 8 awg), so if I ever
installed an electric range, I could put in a bigger breaker, and Bob's
your uncle. If you have a similarly wired circuit, you could do that -
replace the breaker *and* the outlet (there are particular plug
configurations for different voltage and amperage capabilities).
Failing that, you'll have to rewire one of your circuits. If you are
talking about a shed or a garage, it might be a really easy job. If
it's a long run through a house, I'd consider the professional help.
Finally, if you have 220V capability, find out if you can run your motor
on 220 and put in a 220V circuit breaker. You could have a pro do that
last job, too; it shouldn't cost that much.