220v outlet for welder powered by (2) 20 amp breakers

[crazyal]

The concept behind the Edison circuit is only used when just one of the two outlets are being used. When both have equal loads the neutral wire basically has no power running through it. I have electrician friends in Canada who do it all the time because it allows them to run one 12/3 wire vs two 12/2 wires to save money. I personally don't like the concept. I get it but my issue is what if someone moves one of the wires to a different breaker that's not on the opposite phase? Suddenly your neutral wire now has the possibility to have twice it's rated amperage. But I also don't use the holes in the back of outlets. I like a wire wrapped around a screw.

 

[Henro]

Contractors here use them to run both required kitchen circuits for kitchen. Can run both circuits thru 1 wire. Again...not on my jobs

A 220 volt circuit using a shared neutral is very common as you suggest. But there is no getting away from it totally. And it may not be a real issue anyway.

I would bet every house that is supplied 220 volts from the power company uses that same circuit design. Two hots and a neutral. Granted, if you have an incoming problem with the neutral voltage swings all over the place. But this rarely happens. Same for kitchen applications.

 

[grsthegreat]

A 220 volt circuit using a shared neutral is very common as you suggest. But there is no getting away from it totally. And it may not be a real issue anyway.

I would bet every house that is supplied 220 volts from the power company uses that same circuit design. Two hots and a neutral. Granted, if you have an incoming problem with the neutral voltage swings all over the place. But this rarely happens. Same for kitchen applications.

actually, it happens quite often. Ive had to trace down issues too many times over the years. It sucks having to open all outlets and switches and light boxes to try and locate a bad neutral.

 

[GeneV]

Well guys, yesterday I ran conduit in my shop for a 220v outlet. I would have much preferred to have the 220 for the welder in my garage instead, but this is the path of least resistance.

 

[BukitCase]

"this is the path of least resistance"

But no pun intended, right? :laughing: ... Steve

 

[GeneV]

Totally intended.

 

[BukitCase]

Figured it was; I have so much "pun" my family threatens to run away, but they still laugh between groans

 

[jaxs]

A 220 volt circuit using a shared neutral is very common as you suggest. But there is no getting away from it totally. And it may not be a real issue anyway.

I would bet every house that is supplied 220 volts from the power company uses that same circuit design. Two hots and a neutral. Granted, if you have an incoming problem with the neutral voltage swings all over the place. But this rarely happens. Same for kitchen applications.

actually, it happens quite often. Ive had to trace down issues too many times over the years. It sucks having to open all outlets and switches and light boxes to try and locate a bad neutral.

Gene made it clear he intends to use methods he like's while discarding those he find's unpalatable and that's his privilege. With that in mind,what I say is for the benifit of anyone on the fence. The two quotes above are examples of "good electrical information" you get from self professed "experts" on interweb forums. In post #68, I questioned why people jump into electrical discussions to hand out misleading information. As expected,I was told to go away but here I am again. Sorry Gene but I feel obligated to innocent people that might live with or next door to diy electricians. Electrical isn't complex nor complicated. To the contrary it is extremly predictable but must be fully understood before diving in. A little knowledge is more dangerous than none at all. That bring's us to why I point out the two quotes above. Neutral wires are NEVER used for residential 220 volt circuits. Neutrals occasionally share conduit from load center to an appliance which require's 220 volts AND 110 volts but it never come's into play for 220 volts used by appliance. Tossing neutral around while discussing 220 v will confuse amatueres and result in mistakes. Y'all wire things up any way you please,,,,,,,,so long as you keep everyone else at least 100 yards from your work until you FULLY understand what and why you are doing. Ok boys :fiery::muttering::mischievous::grumpy: let loose.

 

[GeneV]

Figured it was; I have so much "pun" my family threatens to run away, but they still laugh between groans

With puns there's lots of funs.

 

[GeneV]

Gene made it clear he intends to use methods he like's while discarding those he find's unpalatable and that's his privilege. With that in mind,what I say is for the benifit of anyone on the fence. The two quotes above are examples of "good electrical information" you get from self professed "experts" on interweb forums. In post #68, I questioned why people jump into electrical discussions to hand out misleading information. As expected,I was told to go away but here I am again. Sorry Gene but I feel obligated to innocent people that might live with or next door to diy electricians. Electrical isn't complex nor complicated. To the contrary it is extremly predictable but must be fully understood before diving in. A little knowledge is more dangerous than none at all. That bring's us to why I point out the two quotes above. Neutral wires are NEVER used for residential 220 volt circuits. Neutrals occasionally share conduit from load center to an appliance which require's 220 volts AND 110 volts but it never come's into play for 220 volts used by appliance. Tossing neutral around while discussing 220 v will confuse amatueres and result in mistakes. Y'all wire things up any way you please,,,,,,,,so long as you keep everyone else at least 100 yards from your work until you FULLY understand what and why you are doing. Ok boys :fiery::muttering::mischievous::grumpy: let loose.

Bud, you don't have to go away, but you'd be much more helpful if you learned to word your input in a more constructive way, you should work on that. Even with your first post here about GFCIs, if only you explained yourself, you woulda saved this thread 4 pages. But anyways, I'm becoming a "dyi expert" in deciphering what you're saying, so let's discuss your latest entry.

So shared neutral means 2 hots on separate circuits, hooked up to a 2-pole breaker with a tie bar, sharing a neutral, right? So let's say I hooked up those 2 hots to one 220v outlet, would it work or wouldn't it power a 220v tool if one of those hots has a neutral wire? You tell me, I honestly don't know.

But while you're at it, why would it be more dangerous than how an edison circuit is utilized? Aren't you pulling 120v in each leg of an edison circuit when you got appliances running on different circuits? Here's your chance to shine Jaxs, try explaining and HELPING instead of critiquing.