Implement weight

[smallfarm]

Thought I’d throw my two cents worth in for safety. A common overlooked error and code violation is overloading the lugs in your panel. An example of this would be placing a 50 amp welder breaker opposite is 60 amp range or sub panel. This places a possible load of 110 A on the lugs some panels only permit 100 A. This is one reason why many electricians place all of the 240 V breakers in a line down one side of the panel and the 15 and 20 amp single pole breakers on the other side. This also makes it easier to keep both legs of your power use in balanced.

[Don McCombs]

Just my thought. If the electric code absolutely forbid a do it yourself installation - I would do it any way and not inform the authorities or the electric company.

The downside to this is if you have a fire, even if not caused by the new wiring, your insurance company has an out for not paying for the damages.

[Eugene]

This is one reason why many electricians place all of the 240 V breakers in a line down one side of the panel and the 15 and 20 amp single pole breakers on the other side. This also makes it easier to keep both legs of your power use in balanced.

Not so. The 220V is between the two hot bus bars and the 120V is between one hot bus bar and the neutral.

To balance the load you need to make the amp draw equal between the two hot bus bars. The location of the 220V breakers in the panel wouldn't make any difference. The 120V breakers should be distributed equaly with half of the amp draw on one side and the other half of the amp draw on the other.

The downside to this is if you have a fire, even if not caused by the new wiring, your insurance company has an out for not paying for the damages.

They wouldn't find it if it didn't cause the fire. But they are always looking for a reason not to pay. - - - Your insurance coverage is great, it covers everything but what just happened.