electrical construction question

[JPSmit]

well friends, I am hoping someone is a contractor - or at least has some electrical knowledge. I am doing some work in the apartment attached to our house. This necessitates moving a sub breaker box. There are large (8 gauge?) wires running from the main panel to this panel (in a metal casing). It is 220 volts. The easiest way to move this would be to disconnect the wires, put in a junction and add about 10 feet of wire through the attic to the new location. Then I don't have to wrestle the casing - most of which is under the floor anyway.

That said, I have never joined wire that thick before and can't imagine it would simply be wire nuts/Marettes. Any thoughts?

thanks all!

 

[SD Bugeye]

You definitely want this done correctly.
this needs to meet local code. If something went sides ways it's your home your life and tenants
no messing around here
an outlet is one think but sub boxes and disrubution panels you need a professional.

 

[AngliaGT]

Tip - Don't stand too close to an electrician or contractor
who's missing digits or limbs.

 

[NutmegCT]

J-P - I second the idea of hiring a professional on this. They know what they're doing, and are paid for their knowledge.

If there's any doubt about electrical work done on the property, insurance and title may become "problematic".

Tom M.

 

[Bayless]

I have done a lot of wiring and rewiring in my home but I agree with all the above. Hire a licensed professional for a major subpanel.

 

[Boink]

There's nothing terribly difficult about #8 wire (in a 220 circuit), but there are a lot of variables here that are unstated here (like will this be passing through areas that will require conduit). Also, as others have stated, you may have local codes that require something special. Although more expensive, I'd be running a new home-run from the panel to the sub-main. In some municipalities, you can run 8-3 through areas if out-of-reach (like high in an garage), otherwise, it will need to be protected (such as in walls or in conduit).

 

[JPSmit]

thanks guys - looking for an electrician right now - but, out of curiosity, how do you connect two #8 wires

 

[Rhodyspit75]

thanks guys - looking for an electrician right now - but, out of curiosity, how do you connect two #8 wires

Here in the states these are available Rated for 2 number 8's.

 

[Boink]

There also what are called "split-bolt" connectors that then need to be insulated.

 

[JPSmit]

Here in the states these are available Rated for 2 number 8's. View attachment 45099

here too - but would not have guessed.

 

[DrEntropy]

Just install a junction box at the old location, working from the new box wiring/box back to it. Then use the "corn nuts" for the last connection in the junction.

 

[Basil]

I have done a lot of wiring and rewiring in my home but I agree with all the above. Hire a licensed professional for a major subpanel.

Yes you could do it yourself, but I agree with above - not worth the potential risk WRT insurance, etc., should, heaven forbid, anything go wrong.

 

[SD Bugeye]

The magic word for me here is "TENANT"