40A supply in existing old house

jamal6008 · May 30, 2015

Hi

I am thinking of purchasing a compressor which requires 40A supply. I have a normal socket in garage which I believe won't be able to handle 40A. My question is would the existing wiring be able to handle 40A? Can I just simply remove the socket and install a circuit breaker maybe followed by a high rated socket?

Thanks for the help.

telectrix · May 30, 2015

simple answer is NO. you would need to get a new dedicated circuit installed.

jamal6008 · May 30, 2015

Right so the option I have been thinking about it is below:

Cable goes from the meter to the house switchboard so I can connect another cable to the same terminal in switchboard and take it to a 40A circuit breaker. From the circuit breaker it goes to the new socket that is 40A rated. How does that sound? I have no idea where I would find parts for this though.

amlu · May 30, 2015

get a local electrician to come and have a look at the wiring. its impossible to suggest anything without looking at it.
40A is a big current, its not a standard simple diy job to do it safely...