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  • I was able to wrap my head around how and why a MWBC is used. I think that this wire actually turned out to be 10awg, but as stated, if the outlets are only rated at 20 I needed to downgrade anyway. The only thing I don't like about this, is you're now restricted to a 240 amp breaker, which takes up 2 slots in my already cramped panel. I might consider rewiring all of the outlets to a single hot lead so I can run it off a single 120 breaker, but only to free up space in the panel. I agree that it isn't the best solution. I need ONE more slot, and I don't feel like installing a new panel. Commented Jan 24, 2018 at 16:05
  • You know a tree topology is allowed in wiring, yes? You can split a branch off a circuit. That can even happen literally 6" from the breaker. I do it all the time. You can have wirenuts inside service panels. Just mark things clearly. The upshot is that two underused "circuits" can share a breaker, becoming one circuit with 2 branches. Commented Jan 24, 2018 at 16:56
  • Thanks for the info, I didn't realize that. If I understand you correctly, then I can basically splice wires with wirenuts, but inside a junction box somewhere? Can I even just use an outlet box with a blank? That is cool, but the circuits I need to add are 240 50 amps, and I need two of them so I need to clear up 3 more slots. I suppose I could combine a circuit or two to one breaker by branching to free up slots. Commented Feb 8, 2018 at 15:26
  • You would laugh if you saw photos of my panels, they are surrounded by blank plate junction boxes! (Thieves stole my breakers and cut all the wires short). I would do a survey of each of your circuits and figure out if you have some underused ones. Or you could add a subpanel near the main panel (now you will need 5 spaces) and move as many circuits as you like (i.e. More than 5) to the new subpanel, if necessary with the junction box trick. Commented Feb 8, 2018 at 17:51