Wiring 220V compressor

CTyler · Jan 14, 2004

What is typically done for a temp solution needing 220v at a work site is that you have a portable a breaker box. The box would be plugged into the dryer outlet via the appropriate sized cord and plug. The box will have 110v and 220v outlets with the appropriate plugs and breaker sizes. This way you can run a compressor, work light, batt chargers etc.. safely.
Same thing for power off of temp power poles building houses with 220v 50amp source. Diff plug of course.

Junkman · Jan 14, 2004

I have to agree with you 110% on the problems that you will have if you don't follow code when doing any wiring. There are some things that insurance companies will ignore as homeowner error, but electrical errors are not one of them. I have often said that the insurance companies should list the things that homeowners cannot do unless their work meets code...... electrical and plumbing are the two at the top of the list. I have planned an assortment of different outlets to be placed at the bottom of my sub panel in my shop. That way, there will always be the correct outlet for the appliance. I have even changed the plugs on some of my tools to twist lock types, because that will stop people from wanting to borrow them. If they can't plug them in, they won't want to borrow them. I have adapters for my own convenience when I take them off site.

CTyler · Jan 14, 2004

( I have even changed the plugs on some of my tools to twist lock types, because that will stop people from wanting to borrow them. )

That will work!!

LOL!!!

higgy · Jan 14, 2004

All of this is great advice and one should always be compliance with code.

When I read the post and the fact he was looking for a pig tail I assumed this was for temporary installation while working. If this is for final installation proper to code wiring is the only way I would go.

yellowdog99502 · Jan 14, 2004

WARNING: READING THIS POST MAY OFFEND CERTAIN PEOPLE!

Junkman, boustany and the others who are promoting safety, doing the job correctly, using the proper equipment and code compliance. THANK YOU!

To the others who are slapping something together electrically and calling it good, find another topic to upon which to share your lack of knowledge. You are dealing with lives and property here.

Wiring a dryer outlet to take a compressor is just wrong. The electrical device manufacturer's make 220 volt 15, 20 and 30 amp plugs and receptacles for a reason, they are REQUIRED by the adopted codes. Please read LAW here for code because once legally adopted, they are law.

As for insurance coverage, I cannot count the number of times I have seen insurance investigators deny a claim because 'someone' did not follow code for electrical work.

If I have offended anyone, I am not sorry. Giving someone the wrong advice about motor oil or buying an attachment or even a tractor can only cost them money. Electrically, it could kill them and others.

Don

boustany · Jan 15, 2004

Gulp!

Thanks, I'm glad you wrote that.

Of course, I totally agree.

I am not an electrician, but I designed computers for about 12 years, so I know a bit about this sort of stuff. There is a tendancy to think 'codes are for losers' or something. When you look into it in most cases there is a very good reason the code is the way it is, whether you are talking about building, plumbing, or electrical. And, electricity can kill through burning or electric shock, and it usually happens without warning. Its not always to the person who did the work, however.

So, I bought the books and read 'em and I consult them whenever I have to do something new. I built, plumbed and wired my own house (us stock analysts have to make sure we've got a backup job). In Ontario, a private individual can get an electrical permitt and do his own wiring, and they send an inspector around to check it out.

My inspector looked at my preliminary wiring and told me to care only for the final - he didn't have to see any more because I did everything by the book.

Then we had a 1/2 hour conversation on the things he saw: people using extension cords for internal wiring, masking tape for connections, and on and on, and on. An those are people who get the permit. Think of the stuff he hasn't seen!

CTyler · Jan 16, 2004

I surely hope you are not refering to me I assure you there is no lack of knowledge on this subject.

He asked a simple quesiton on how it was wired. A certain amount of knowledge is assumed otherwise your telling people to tie thier shoe laces before working on something.

So take your soap box elsewhere.

yellowdog99502 · Jan 16, 2004

( I surely hope you are not refering to me )

Don't know that I was.

( He asked a simple quesiton on how it was wired. )

He most certainly did. The simple answer would be to use the proper receptacle / plug combination as required by the NEC, local codes and/or the manufacturer of the compressor. Then advise the him to ignore the obviously bad information received from the gentleman at Home Depot.

( telling people to tie thier shoes )

With all respect to, and no malice towards the original poster, if he is asking a question like this, he most definitely needs to learn how to tie his shoes, electrically speaking that is.

( So take your soap box elsewhere. )

Just a bit touchy, are we? /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

When it comes to human life, making sure the basics are understood is not something we can ( assume)

Inspector507 · Jan 16, 2004

If they were truly "experts" they'd be working for me.

DO NOT wire the green(ground) and white(neutral) together. Run a circuit dedicated to the compressor or convert the dryer outlet to one that the compressor would be compatible to. Everytime someone "cobbs" something together to "make it work", I get involved in the investigation of the origin of the fire.

Phred · Jan 16, 2004

Ill just add that using a dryer plug and outlet is a half ^&% way to do this but could be safe if:
1) You used a breaker for which the compressor was rated. Not the 30 amp breaker the dryer is designed for.
2) You select a propery wire size and pull the two hots neutral and ground to the dryer outlet.
3) You do not use the white wire on the compressor side. Just cut the wire off of the cord you plug into the dryer outlet.

Its an ugly dumb solution that will be very confusing for anyone who someday trys to plug a dryer in at this location, but its not unsafe.

You have no potential for overcurrent on the compressor and a dryer plugged in at this location just will not work, pop the breaker. Also your using a 30 amp plug at what 15-20 amps? Thats not going to hurt a thing.

If you have a dryer plug and cord and are determined to go this route, and I am not advocating that, then you could at least put a label on the oulet "Fused at 15 amps not for a dryer".....

Fred