220 volt outlet conversion /adapter question

[Jsf721]

I’ll start off by saying I know enough about electricity to change a switch or outlet. The end.

My sons apartment in NYC has what I think is a 220 volt outlet. It’s says 30amp 250v on the plug but I think that’s a plug rating. Pic attached.

He wants to be able to plug a regular 110 volt A/c unit into the receptacle. There is an adapter I linked at HD will this adapter accomplished this safely ?

alternatively I can buy a 10’ 12/3 Heavy Duty extension cord and run it from a regular 110 outlet that about 9 feet away from the window.

so will the adapter work safely ?

will the 12/3 10’ Hd cord work safely ?

any other safe ideas ?

They already own the AC. So I’d prefer not to have to buy another 220 unit however if that is the only way I guess we will.

thanks very much.

 

[alex71]

do you have access to the breaker panel? you could make some modifications to turn that into a safe 120V outlet. It will certainly be in violation of your lease. Using that adapter will blow up your AC, don't do it.

 

[Bert_]

That adapter goes to a 50A welder plug, not 120v.

 

[The Cobbler]

that outlet is a 240 volts . it does l not have a neutral so you cannot get 120 volts from it. you would have to ( as previous poster said) go into the panel box , change one of the hots to a neutral & change the outlet . and change the breaker to the appropriate size for the AC

 

[Norcal]

That 30A 240V receptacle is used for larger A/C units get one that uses that receptacle & there will be no need to alter the landlords property or make hazardous adapters.

 

[Walkers]

Just buy a 240 volt a/c unit.

 

[Jsf721]

What about the 10 foot extension cord that’s 12 gauge guys is that OK

 

[American Locomotive]

A proper 12 gauge extension cord will have no issue running just about any window air conditioner as long as it's reasonable length. 10 feet is okay.

 

[Jsf721]

A proper 12 gauge extension cord will have no issue running just about any window air conditioner as long as it's reasonable length. 10 feet is okay.

Thanks - that’s what my plan is.

 

[dogdog]

Does your Son own that place or Shared with a renter.... Sometimes it's easier to just convert that plug back to a 120V... and most commercial grade 120V plugs will accept a 10Gauge wire no problem... But you have to do something at the breaker.. and double check and make sure that wiring is not shared anywhere else.....

 

[The Cobbler]

what is the amp draw of said AC unit? that would be a determining factor in wire gauge needed

 

[Jsf721]

what is the amp draw of said AC unit? that would be a determining factor in wire gauge needed

Says 10 amp. Is a 12 gauge ok to use ?

 

[Terry D]

The thing with using a extension cord and plugging it into a 120 volt receptacle is what else is on that circuit. If the window unit is 10 amps, and that receptacle is on a 15 amp branch circuit with other stuff on it, you could be blowing a fuse or tripping a breaker. Be sure if it is fuses, to have a time delay one installed. That 240 volt receptacle you already have there is a dedicated circuit. I would get a A/C that would plug into that.

 

[TractorJeff]

OP states "Sons Apartment in NYC".
That says very little as far as description.
I agree with Terry D, buy a 240 AC.
Most of what I ever saw in Apartment "Brownstone" buildings is old and outdated.
If the landlord/Owner had an Outlet installed for a 240v AC, I would feel reasonably comfortable plugging one into it.

 

[Jsf721]

The thing with using a extension cord and plugging it into a 120 volt receptacle is what else is on that circuit. If the window unit is 10 amps, and that receptacle is on a 15 amp branch circuit with other stuff on it, you could be blowing a fuse or tripping a breaker. Be sure if it is fuses, to have a time delay one installed. That 240 volt receptacle you already have there is a dedicated circuit. I would get a A/C that would plug into that.

A TV for sure

 

[Bert_]

The thing with using a extension cord and plugging it into a 120 volt receptacle is what else is on that circuit. If the window unit is 10 amps, and that receptacle is on a 15 amp branch circuit with other stuff on it, you could be blowing a fuse or tripping a breaker. Be sure if it is fuses, to have a time delay one installed. That 240 volt receptacle you already have there is a dedicated circuit. I would get a A/C that would plug into that.

I wouldn't get to worried unless you're trying to use a circuit that's shared with a kitchen or laundry room or something. Most circuits in a house a very lightly loaded.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If your son rents this apartment, then no way would i modify any of the wiring. if something goes wrong and the place burns down, you’re gonna be up sh*t creek without a paddle.... buy a window shaker that runs on 240v and be done with it...

 

[Lassen Forge]

UNLESS you own the building, OR you have EXPLICIT WRITTEN PERMISSION from the building owner (which may or may not be the landlord) don't EVEN think of messing with the electrical system in that building... it goes beyond losing the apartment; the owner could (and may well) sue the bejeezus out of you. THIS is exactly the reason we refuse to rent anywhere... we had an old, dying oak tree in front of a house we co-rented (as sublettors), it was either going into the house or the vehicles in front unless action was taken... the LL said fine, cut it down... Got the saws, rigged pull lines, had helpers there, moved the vehicles, etc... Someone decided (in a moment of clarity) to call the LL and let them know..., and he said better wait a minute...

The Owner of the house (and his lawyer) showed up 15 minutes later, with a cease and desist and a 3 day notice to leave... said if we touched "his" tree we were gone. AND we'd pay for the damages to his property. And legal fees.

This was in the middle of effing nowhere... especially compared to the lawyer-infested 'urbs of metro NYC. I can only imagine how hard you, your kid, your pet dog, and your future great grandchildren would be hit by a $750 an hour lawyer...

Your choice is to put in a suitable unit, get the owner's permission to get a licensed electrician out there (yes, in writing) to change it, or find another place.

 

[Jsf721]

I wouldn't get to worried unless you're trying to use a circuit that's shared with a kitchen or laundry room or something. Most circuits in a house a very lightly loaded.

Thanks hopefully.

 

[The Cobbler]

Says 10 amp. Is a 12 gauge ok to use ?

more than enough. 14 would suffice

 

[TRWham]

That NEMA 6-30R does not look very old. If someone bothered to install one, presumably to run a window AC unit, in NYC, where all construction is expensive, you may find the 120 V unit you have is way too small to do the job. It seems prudent to try your 120 V unit using the extension cord and see how well it performs, but be prepared to replace it with a larger one. If it has a 15 A plug, then a 12 gage cord should be fine.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Trace the wire, swap the breaker and receptacle for 110. $20,Half an hour and easily reversible when you move.

 

[dogdog]

UNLESS you own the building, OR you have EXPLICIT WRITTEN PERMISSION from the building owner (which may or may not be the landlord) don't EVEN think of messing with the electrical system in that building... it goes beyond losing the apartment; the owner could (and may well) sue the bejeezus out of you. THIS is exactly the reason we refuse to rent anywhere... we had an old, dying oak tree in front of a house we co-rented (as sublettors), it was either going into the house or the vehicles in front unless action was taken... the LL said fine, cut it down... Got the saws, rigged pull lines, had helpers there, moved the vehicles, etc... Someone decided (in a moment of clarity) to call the LL and let them know..., and he said better wait a minute...

The Owner of the house (and his lawyer) showed up 15 minutes later, with a cease and desist and a 3 day notice to leave... said if we touched "his" tree we were gone. AND we'd pay for the damages to his property. And legal fees.

This was in the middle of effing nowhere... especially compared to the lawyer-infested 'urbs of metro NYC. I can only imagine how hard you, your kid, your pet dog, and your future great grandchildren would be hit by a $750 an hour lawyer...

Your choice is to put in a suitable unit, get the owner's permission to get a licensed electrician out there (yes, in writing) to change it, or find another place.

I can tell you that it doesn't work that way. for one thing, NYC rental laws are in favor of the tenants not landlords. if the landlord wants you to cover the cost of reverting it back to original, he/she can and have the rights to. but asking you to leave in 3 days, heck no.

 

[The Cobbler]

a 10 amp draw air conditioner will be quite low on the BTU , are you sure it's large enough to cool what he is hoping?
It's probably in the 10 to 12K BTU range

 

[Jsf721]

a 10 amp draw air conditioner will be quite low on the BTU , are you sure it's large enough to cool what he is hoping?
It's probably in the 10 to 12K BTU range

He purchased the unit from a friend so it’s non returnable. He did not discuss witn he prior. So it will be a learning experience.

mid it does not cool he will either be hot or sink another few hundred into a unit.

 

[Jsf721]

more than enough. 14 would suffice

Thanks