240 outlet - which one?

[rd65]

I am going to install a 240 outlet in my shop. I don't currently have a need but am going to install one. I do have a dual voltage air compressor that is doing just fine on 120. My small mig is 120. What are the recommendations as far as amperage and outlet type. There seems to be many to choose from and as I don't have anything that uses this I don't know which one to put in. I did buy the pictured unit (per the guy at Lowes). I have some 8awg wire. Outlet will be less than 2' from panel.

 

[u2slow]

Your picture is a dryer receptacle (14-30R). If you switch your compressor over to 240V, it will draw about half the amperage it did on 120V.

Sounds like all you need are 120v/20A receptacles for that equipment.

For 240V receptacles in my shop, I mainly use the 6-20R (240v/20A).

A 6-50R is most common for welders.

 

[Milton Shaw]

That 6-20 R is almost the same as the 120 version and if you don't read the box you will get the wrong one. The difference is which pin is twisted. The plug on the 6-20 looks like the 120 volt 20 amp version and is very easy to confuse.

 

[Lightning rod]

I used the 6-30r to standardize with my welder
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/leviton-30-amp-flush-mount-receptacle-250v-6-30r/1000174855

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I am going to install a 240 outlet in my shop. I don't currently have a need but am going to install one. I do have a dual voltage air compressor that is doing just fine on 120. My small mig is 120. What are the recommendations as far as amperage and outlet type. There seems to be many to choose from and as I don't have anything that uses this I don't know which one to put in. I did buy the pictured unit (per the guy at Lowes). I have some 8awg wire. Outlet will be less than 2' from panel.

The problem with this thinking is whatever you buy may not work with the equipment you eventually buy.

the circuit is sized based on the equipment specs.

Since you dont have any equipment, you have no specs to go on.

Now the outlet you bought is useless for 240v equipment because the neutral is not needed. Not sure why the Lowes guy told you to get that one. If you did end using this with say a 240v motor, you would need a different plug than what would come with it since the neutral is unused

Since the panel is so easily accessible, why bother getting anything right now? Why are you bothering with this?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I used the 6-30r to standardize with my welder
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/leviton-30-amp-flush-mount-receptacle-250v-6-30r/1000174855

Most mid range welders use 6-50

 

[couch67]

future proofing for a 240v circuit is tough without knowing your future wants/needs. Are you closing in the walls, or can you do this later when its needed? You are only 2' from the panel so this should be easy to add later -

Edit: took waay too long to type, wylie beat me to it

 

[Stuart in MN]

Wait until you have a specific need. Murphy's Law states whatever you put in now will need to be replaced anyway.

 

[bigmaq]

Agree with Stuart. Just cap the wires and the box and leave it dead. Then when you have your equipment you can buy the appropriate outlet and cover size.

 

[sberry]

I used the 6-30r to standardize with my welder
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/leviton-30-amp-flush-mount-receptacle-250v-6-30r/1000174855

Standard for welders is 6-50 suplied 30 or 50A breaker depending on the wire used.

 

[rd65]

Mostly adding because I already have the box and conduit run. Nothing is in the walls. I was mainly wondering if there was a 'most' common outlet that was in use. My step son has a new Miller 120/240 welder that uses a 6/50R. He runs it in the house garage in his area running 120.

 

[rd65]

I know this is a loaded question but here it goes anyway. Is there a problem with running the 6-50 outlet with 8 gauge wire to a 40 amp breaker? Asking because I have 8 ga wire and the 40 amp breaker came with the panel.

 

[sberry]

No problem. 40 is fine. I didn't catch that the 8 is in pipe, can use 50. 2 hots and ground for a welder. Many modern welders now allow 14 single circuit in pipe with 30 to the 50 welder outlet. If the wire is 12 or better up to 50.
No one thinks some of the minimums are a real great idea, I have wired some 12/30. Some of the outlets are not listed for wire that small and it does start to make v drop a factor. But the 8 is the ideal, will run anything with factory cord and plug to a smoking cinder.

 

[rd65]

No problem. 40 is fine. I didn't catch that the 8 is in pipe, can use 50. 2 hots and ground for a welder. Many modern welders now allow 14 single circuit in pipe with 30 to the 50 welder outlet. If the wire is 12 or better up to 50.
No one thinks some of the minimums are a real great idea, I have wired some 12/30. Some of the outlets are not listed for wire that small and it does start to make v drop a factor. But the 8 is the ideal, will run anything with factory cord and plug to a smoking cinder.

Cool, thanks for the feedback. Now to finding a time that I can get into a store to pick. We are on a bit of a lock down here in WA state.

 

[rd65]

Lowes was cool enough to let me return the wrong outlet & plug for store credit. After some searching I was able to locate the correct item. Really wish the labels would include info like 6-50R instead of making you search on the item through the bag.
Thanks for all the help.