How do i split a 30Amp 250Volt dryer socket to 120volts? (like a regular wall socket)?

Question

We need a few more sockets in are basment, there is a 30Amp 250 Volt electric dryer socket that we dont use anymore and we want to some how split it up and have a few more "regular" sockets.

Answer 1

Unless your existing circuit has a neutral, it's going to be hard to do. If you existing wire has 4-conductors, 2-hot, 1-neutral, 1-ground you can install a small sub-panel. From the sub panel you can wire your 120v Circuits. Understand the you can't install more connected load than the rating of the 30-amp main feed can handle so theoretically you should only install two 15-amp circuit breakers. If your plugs are only going to be used for small wattage applications, you can probably push it to two 20-amp breakers without a major concern. Never change the the original breaker that fed the dryer circuit to a larger size as the breaker protects the wire that feeds your new sub-panel.

If you only want one 120 volt circuit, you need to change the 30-amp two pole main breaker to a 20-amp single pole breaker, take one of the conductors that was used for a hot and connect it to the neutral bar inside your main panel. You will have a hot, neutral, and ground. If your existing circuit already has a neutral, then cap one of the existing hot wires using a wire nut.

Answer 2

you can change it ti two 15 a ckts if it has three wires , two will be # 10 AND I # 12 WIRE use two 15 anp c/b take the ground and put it to the neutral bar tape it white on both ends the split of useing the # 10 wires for your hot wires and the white will be your neutral for both ckts g/l

Answer 3

you do that on the panel itself. please get a pro, as you can kill yourself if you have no experience.

you change the breakers, the wires, and the receptacle. you keep the conduit and the box.