I bought a device called Sense to monitor home electrical usage that is installed in your electrical panel.
The device needs to be connected to a 240v breaker like this:
The problem is that I only have one 240v breaker and it is already in use and the whole electrical panel is full. I don't want to spend a lot of money on this and I am looking for cheaper solutions (e.g., not installing a subpanel!).
Could I pigtail this device with the existing 240v breaker? The electrical usage of the device is minimal. I don't know what is already on this breaker (it is unlabeled). I have gas for stove, dryer, hot water, and heat. Maybe the fridge or washing machine is the biggest electrical device.
Could I replace the breaker with a double tap breaker? I don't know if that exists for 240v. Here is a photo of the current breaker:
Are there other options?
I will be calling an electrician to come in and do the work, but I'd like to be sure there is a relatively easy way to do this before he gets here.
Best Answer
You can install tandem breakers which will free up some additional space in your panel. You mentioned being concerned about cost and these are relatively inexpensive ($10 range) and available at your local home store. For each tandem you use, it will free up a 1 pole space. You would need two tandems to create enough space for a 2 Pole breaker.