240 outlets

[zetuskid]

Excuse my ignorance, but I need to if there is a difference in the shape of 240(220) plug ends. I have just built a new shop and designated two outlets for 240. I didn't know if I should wait til I purchase a welder or other equipment to see what type plug is on it then buy the receptacle for it.
Thanks

 

[Zeke]

They are different according the rated amperage of the circuit.

 

[pattenp]

Welders typically use a nema 6-50 outlet. Not much other high power need equipment uses a plug. Hard wiring is required. You need to know where a plug is a correct connection.

 

[Toofast28]

Every 220 welder I've ever used had the NEMA 10-50 plug.

 

[2Big2Ride]

My welder's factory molded plug is a 6-50. I believe (didn't look it up to confirm) our wood lathe uses a 6-15, but I wired it with a 6-20 that accepts both configurations. It will depend on the machine's power requirements.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Every 220 welder I've ever used had the NEMA 10-50 plug.

I doubt that.

10-50 is a non grounded dual voltage 125v/250v outlet/plug. A welder typically doesnt need a neutral and WOULD need to be grounded. A 10-50 is for existing 3-wire stove circuits.

Id bet money your welder has a 6-50p.

And nominal voltage is 120v/240v....220v hasnt been used for decades except for a few limited areas.

 

[pattenp]

Every 220 welder I've ever used had the NEMA 10-50 plug.

I don't know why, but every welder you used had the wrong plug on it. A 10-50 is an old style 125V/250V ungrounded plug and outlet. The current up-to-date plug to use in place of the 10-50 is the 14-50 which is used on a range.

 

[zetuskid]

Thanks to all who responded to my post about 240 outlets. Especially to Zeke and his chart. I am sure I can gleen information from all of them in the future. I appreciate your input.
Zetuskid

 

[bob_mp]

Use a Nema 6-50 receptacle. Don't use a twist-loc receptacle. They don't (to my knowledge) come in right angle versions. A twist-loc plug with a heavy cord puts a lot of torque on the receptacle.

Bob

 

[rsnip988]

Welders typically use a nema 6-50 outlet.

Both of my Lincoln welders do anyway...

Zeke that is a very useful chart and I am stealing it for my reference files!

 

[Fallon]

Personally I put in NEMA 14-50 outlets then adapted my welder to match & created an adapter for my plasma cutter. I don't even remember what if any plug my welder came with. NEMA 14-50 is common on generators & gives you 50@ of 110v or 220v for maximum flexibility.

I've run a 5kw electric heater off those outlets before in addition to my welder.

Running the extra neutral takes a bit more copper over the NEMA 6-50, but makes things more flexible.

Sometimes I wish I'd gone with NEMA L14-50 which is the same thing only twist lock instead of the standard plug. Twist lock is more secure as it latches in. And being latched I believe they don't need to be as strong, so they are easier to pull out after you rotate them (not sure on that though).

Oh, and the first number is the type of plug (or socket), which won't mean a lot unless you compare some. The 2nd number is the number of amps that the plug is rated for, which is easy to figure out & very relevant.

 

[hh76]

I would cap the wires, and cover the boxes until you buy a machine.

If your anything like me, plans will change, and you'll end up with a different layout, and will have different power needs there.