240v portative heater power adaptor, safe?

[Nathan3.0]

Hello!

I am looking forward to buy a 240v 4000w heater which comes with a NEMA 6-20P cord.
My garage outlet is a NEMA 6-30P receptacle. I would rather not change the outlet.

Is there any risk using this kind of adapter cord? (this one from amazon)

 

[Bert_]

I'd worry about the contacts in that crappy connector from Amazon. Weak contacts plus electric current cause heat. Don't want a fire.

It's why it's never recommended to use an extension cord with appliances like this.

 

[BrandonV]

Probably okay in actuality but I wouldn't do it. I'm not a fan of the factory cord and appliance being designed with an expected 20A OCPD not a 30A one.

 

[fitter30]

4k watts at 240 vac is 16.6 amps plus what the fan pulls use a different brand if I'm looking at the same one they are returned alot.

 

[Nathan3.0]

Yeah not much options for heaters in that range

 

[jack stand]

I'd change the heaters power cord end before I'd use an adapter.
Just buy a good one from an electrical supply house.

 

[u2slow]

I would drop the breaker down to a 20A and use the adapter.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'd worry about the contacts in that crappy connector from Amazon. Weak contacts plus electric current cause heat. Don't want a fire.

I had a heavy duty 18" long NEMA 5-15 3 way splitter. The 3 way end was molded in translucent plastic. After only a couple of years, you could see the arcing inside the plastic ! Cut that end off and replaced it with a 4x4 metal handy box with 2 duplex outlet. It might not be waterproof but it won't arc !

 

[Nathan3.0]

I will need to check my electrical circuit correctly, i have a fuzzy souvenir that my Dad did this cicuit for my air compressor which was 240V 20A breaker, and added this outlet (6-30R) to use a garage heater (NOT AT THE SAME TIME lol). But it was over 15 years ago...

If its correct, i could change the outlet to a 6-20r in order to use the right plug directly.

Here is a heater with 3750W which would make more sense. But over 200$ more expensive (yikes!)

Small Space Electric Heater - Mountable, 208 / 240V H-6100 - Uline

Warm small workshops. For small spaces. Safely use indoors. Requires a 20A 208/240V outlet. Temperature control thermostat, 7-29ºC (45-85ºF). Heats up to 450 sq. ft. (ex: 18 x 25' storage room or office). Auto shut-off if overheats. 6' cord. Mounts to wall, ceiling or sits firmly on floor. ULINE...

www.uline.ca

 

[nadogail]

Cheap and Good, in Electrical parts and equipment are never included in the same sentence.

Good and Cheap are mutually exclusive.

 

[mike93lx]

I would also do the breaker and receptacle swap first. Second choice would be swapping the plug on the heater. I don't think I would go for the adapter

 

[Nathan3.0]

Well i took the time to check correctly during the weekend and here are my observations;

Panel breaker for this circuit is 20A
Wiring is 10/2 Gauge

I could probably replace the breaker for a 30A if the overall capacity is still ok, but this would require an electrician.
The "cheapest" (moneywise) would be be to get a heater with a 16A draw max and replace my outlet so i do not need to use a sketchy adaptor.

I thank you all for your imput

 

[Lassen Forge]

I have made jump cords like that - always build them overrated for the highest current expected. If it's a 30 amp circuit, your wiring for your jump cord should handle at least that. Buying one premade -Reputable company (Schnieder, or the like), no prob. Unreliable company (People's Glorious Revolutionary Flower Pole Company of Electrical Guandong, Ltd.?) nope. Thats why I make my own. And I also check them occasionally to make sure they're in one piece, not getting warm, etc.

Your circuit is rated for 30 amps at 250 volts No problem with putting a 20 amp device on a 30 amp circuit, the only issue is if that device internally shorts, but if it does that you're likely going to have it try to pull more than 30 amps.

I'm also **** about wire sizing - if a circuit calls for #6, I'll up it to a #4, just because. (Other's, like Wylie and others on this here forum are more expert at electrical than I, If they say something take it to the bank, I only know what I personally would trust or not...) I refer to my Ugly's a lot to make sure I'm erring on the side of safety.