Adding a 220 plug

[JFortner5]

I have a (probably stupid) question about adding a 220v outlet in my garage. I have been reading as much about compressors as I can and it seems that the best options require 220v.

My house in on a slab and is two stories. The main panel is on the outside of the house opposite from the garage. I can't really see any easy way to get a wire from the panel to the garage.

So my question is, is it safe to splice into to wire for my electric water heater to add a plug? My guess is probably not but I was hoping someone could help me out.

Thanks,
Joey

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[pattenp]

I can't advise doing that. The water heater circuit should be a dedicated circuit. Depending on the size of compressor you choose, it may need to be hardwired with a dedicated circuit.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I'm a little confused by your wording... Is your breaker panel on an exterior garage wall, or is it on an opposite side of the house?

No, you don't want to splice into your water heater circuit... Usually that breaker & wire is sized just for the heater so any additional load would not work.

 

[JFortner5]

That's kind of what I figured but I'm no electrician.

And sorry that was kind of confusing. The main panel/breaker box is on the outside of the house. Facing the house it's on the left side. My garage is on the right side of the house. Because it's on a slab I can't run a wire underneath and it's a 2 story so I couldn't easily get a wire through the attic either.

It's OK though I got a line on a craftsman 25 gallon professional compressor (cast iron oiled pump with a belt drive). I found it used for $200 which is probably better than the 33 gallon oil less I've been looking at buying new.

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[1940_dodge]

Run conduit around the house on the outside and then bring it into the garage.

**Edit**
Check with your local code regulations first before you take anybody's advice though.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Run conduit around the house on the outside and then bring it into the garage.

**Edit**
Check with your local code regulations first before you take anybody's advice though.

That's kind of what I was thinking... I've seen some instances where they just bury it by the edge of the house and run around to wherever the power is needed.

Seems he is going with a smaller 120V compressor though so the point is moot.

 

[JFortner5]

Well its not set in stone yet I still have to look at it. I guess the conduit would be the best thing to do though if it comes down to it. If I can get the belt drive craftsman I'll probably go that route. If not adding a 240 plug would greatly expand my options.

I've pretty much decided against buying an oil less unit.



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[dcummer]

Couldn't you splice into the water heater circuit and also put a switch on the water heater? In my garage I only use the compressor occasionally, turning off my hot water heater wouldn't be a big inconvenience to me. And if you forget and both run at the same time, all you'll do is trip the breaker. Might be a lot easier than running an entire new circuit...

 

[Mustang51js]

I would run the pipe up side of house to attic, change to romex in the attic and then back to pipe on the other side. I wouldn't splice into the water heater since there's a good chance you will forget to turn it back on after doing some work and running around. If it's not your main water heater then it's not as big of a deal. I couldn't find anything that says you can't come off same line as a water heater but I wouldn't recommend it if it's your main source of hot water.

 

[rockwithjason]

Couldn't you splice into the water heater circuit and also put a switch on the water heater? In my garage I only use the compressor occasionally, turning off my hot water heater wouldn't be a big inconvenience to me. And if you forget and both run at the same time, all you'll do is trip the breaker. Might be a lot easier than running an entire new circuit...

would it work? probably. is it legal? hell to the no. is it hillbilly? yup

 

[katy]

I've pretty much decided against buying an oil less unit.

SMART decision.

 

[volleyball]

If you put it on the water heater circuit, it will work until the water heater comes on. and the breaker trips. Then you reset. Remove wiring before you move.
It won't kill you to run the wire up to the attic, across and down if you want to do it right. I suggest doing it right but as a homeowner, you can do it. You won't be able to get a pro to do this.

 

[JFortner5]

Well I'm not sure it's possible to run it through the attic without cutting sheet rock or putting conduit on the side of the house.

If I have to run a new wire I'll get out the pick and shovel and go around the back yard. It's not a big house so it wouldn't be too bad.



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[JFortner5]

I forgot to add, but thank you all for the replies. I do have an electrician buddy who could wire it up for me. I'm a plumber so I can get a pipe in the ground but house wiring isn't my expertise.

That's why I'm a plumber. If I screw up I usually just get wet.

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[volleyball]

Your buddy will tell you poking a hole in sheetrock is easy. And running conduit is plumbing, something you know. To put it in the ground it could be 24" down so it is a bit of digging.
One of the extra could be to run several circuits while you are at it.