Wiring for 220V 3HP SawStop

[DBordello]

I am making the jump, and buying a SawStop this weekend. I figure cry once, and am going to get the 3HP 220V version. However, I do not have 220V in my garage, but that has never scared me before.

The electrical panel is on the other side of the garage, but I have good attic access, so I should have a problem fishing the wire. Unfortunately, there are only two open slots, one on each side. So, I am going to have to move a breaker. I am hoping that isn't too difficult.

However, I am having some difficulty finding the proper receptacle. The SawStop comes with a 9', NEMA 6-15P cord.

However, I am unable to find a NEMA 6-15R at Home Depot. I find that a bit odd. Additionally, only Dual Pole, 20A breakers are available from Eaton. Allowing for some future flexibility, what should I get for the following components:

• Breaker - I figure this has to be the limiting equation. With the NEMA 6-15P, am I limited to a 15A breaker?
• Wire - I am thinking 10/2. That should allow me to go up to 30A in the future. Any advantage of 10/3 over 10/2 in the garage?
• Receptacle - I want this to be compatible with the SawStop

Thoughts?

 

[DBordello]

I am going to pounce on my own thread here.

I am going to assume that I can plug in a lower current device to a higher current receptacle. Therefore, I could wire the circuit for 20A.

• 
  * Breaker - 2-Pole, 20A
  * Wire - 10/2
  * Receptacle - NEMA 6-20R

Will this work? Will a NEMA 6-15P go into a 6-20R? Any safety concerns?

 

[Labradorian]

I am going to pounce on my own thread here.

I am going to assume that I can plug in a lower current device to a higher current receptacle. Therefore, I could wire the circuit for 20A.

• 
  * Breaker - 2-Pole, 20A
  * Wire - 10/2
  * Receptacle - NEMA 6-20R

Will this work? Will a NEMA 6-15P go into a 6-20R? Any safety concerns?

If equipment has a 15A rated plug and I assume the cord on the equipment is 14awg?. then you have to use a maximum 15A breaker.

But you can still use the Nema 6-20R. The Nema 6-15P will plug into it.

As long as the receptacle will accept a #10 you are fine.

SO use a 15A breaker, using a #10/2 wire you can upsize the breaker and change out the receptacle in the future for other larger applications if need be,

Please note I is in Canada, this is what we do in Canada.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Just like the 120v NEMA 5-15 will plug into a NEMA 5-20 receptacle, so will the 240v version with regard to the 6-15 and 6-20. If you buy one with the T slot then yes, it will accept both plugs.

10 gauge is overkill, but its your dime. Harder to work with, but thats about all. Do yourself a favor and use a deep 4x4 box so you have lots of room to bend wires and fit the receptacle.

Charles

 

[Charles (in GA)]

If equipment has a 15A rated plug and I assume the cord on the equipment is 14awg?. then you have to use a maximum 15A breaker.

But you can still use the Nema 6-20R. The Nema 6-15P will plug into it.

No true here in the US. The breaker is designed to protect the wire and the receptacle. They need to match, but the plug in device........... well that is like plugging a floor lamp into a 15 or 20 amp receptacle. Do you run out and buy a 2 amp breaker to protect the floor lamp? no, you plug it into the 15 or 20 amp circuit and go about your business.

If the OP installed a TRUE NEMA 6-15 receptacle then he needs to use a 15 amp breaker, but if you installs a 6-15/20 receptacle, then he needs to use a 20 amp breaker to protect it.

Charles

 

[DBordello]

I was thinking the 10 gauge would provide a nice upgrade path, in case I get another 220V tool, I could add another receptacle. However, I guess it isn't logical, since I can't upgrade to a 30A receptacle and maintain compatibility with the 15A tools.

12 Gauge should do the trick then? Or should I just bite the bullet and put 10 Gauge in now?

 

[DBordello]

No true here in the US. The breaker is designed to protect the wire and the receptacle. They need to match, but the plug in device........... well that is like plugging a floor lamp into a 15 or 20 amp receptacle. Do you run out and buy a 2 amp breaker to protect the floor lamp? no, you plug it into the 15 or 20 amp circuit and go about your business.

If the OP installed a TRUE NEMA 6-15 receptacle then he needs to use a 15 amp breaker, but if you installs a 6-15/20 receptacle, then he needs to use a 20 amp breaker to protect it.

Charles

Perfect, thank you very much. Good to know that the breaker must match the wire and receptacle.

 

[justsam]

The NEMA 6-15R or 6-15P are rated at 1.5 HP.

Does this saw come as a UL rated device with this plug installed by the manufacturer?

Obviously, it will work electrically, however receptacles and plugs are rated to accommodate inrush current, based on NEC HP tables, not on the current specified on the motor nameplate.

In regard to 10/3 or 10/2, I would run 10/3 just incase I ever wanted to convert to a 120VAC outlet. Leave White wire capped if not used.

 

[DBordello]

The saw does come as a UL rated device with this plug installed. However, there are directions for replacing the plug.

 

[dw1]

Just pull you two cables and leave one for a "future spare" not much difference in pulling two at the same time!!

 

[Falcon67]

I was thinking the 10 gauge would provide a nice upgrade path, in case I get another 220V tool, I could add another receptacle. However, I guess it isn't logical, since I can't upgrade to a 30A receptacle and maintain compatibility with the 15A tools.

12 Gauge should do the trick then? Or should I just bite the bullet and put 10 Gauge in now?

FWIW - I have 4 240V runs in my shop and only one is 10 gauge. That one is a heater that pulls 21A. The rest are motors from 3/4 up to 3.5 HP.

 

[DBordello]

Okay, it sounds like 12 gauge should be sufficient. To be honest, it is easy to pull more anyways.

The other idea I am kicking around, is adding a subpanel. This new circuit will fill my current panel. However, that sounds like more effort than I would like to tackle at the moment.