Confused about cord plug on my "new" compressor...

[lyonkster]

Hope someone can help me - I picked up a 40 yo 240V 20A Craftsman compressor, but am having trouble finding a way to plug it into my new garage outlet.

Here's the plug:



And here's the outlet the electrician installed for the compressor:



The outlet is a NEMA 14-30, rated for 30A, but I can't find an adapter/connector to make the compressor plug work with it.

Is there an existing adapter I can use, or do I need to modify the outlet or the plug?

 

[PelicanPines]

Wrong outlet for that 20a plug.

 

[lyonkster]

Wrong outlet for that 20a plug.

I realize that, that's why I am asking for help. I think this connector will fix the issue without dealing with the outlet:

 

[sparky 1971]

You could use this:

Leviton 20 Amp 250V Single Outlet/Receptacle, White (1-Pack) 5821-WS R52-05821-0WS - The Home Depot

Get the Leviton 20 amp Double Pole Single Outlet R52-05821-0WS, 100356999 When you need an outlet that can handle heavy use, make sure you have this commercial-grade white nylon-finish outlet from The

www.homedepot.com

and this or one like it:

2 Gang 1 Centered Single Receptacle Wall Plate Covers - White

Save time & money. Solid white 2 gang 1 centered round outlet cover plates made in USA. Find 100's of sizes, switches & outlets, fast shipping at Kyle Switch Plates.

www.kyleswitchplates.com

Or you could make an adapter cord using a piece of 12/3 SO cord, a 14-30P, and a 6-20C

Or you could put a 14-30P on the end of the compressor cord, you won't use the terminal marked white even though there is a white wire in the cord


Or, even easier is to buy the adapter cord you posted while I was typing everything above.

 

[u2slow]

My comp has the same 6-20p cord plug. It has run fine on a 20A circuit using the matching 6-20R receptacle (and #12 wiring) for almost 25 years.

 

[lyonkster]

You could use this:

Leviton 20 Amp 250V Single Outlet/Receptacle, White (1-Pack) 5821-WS R52-05821-0WS - The Home Depot

Get the Leviton 20 amp Double Pole Single Outlet R52-05821-0WS, 100356999 When you need an outlet that can handle heavy use, make sure you have this commercial-grade white nylon-finish outlet from The

www.homedepot.com

and this or one like it:

2 Gang 1 Centered Single Receptacle Wall Plate Covers - White

Save time & money. Solid white 2 gang 1 centered round outlet cover plates made in USA. Find 100's of sizes, switches & outlets, fast shipping at Kyle Switch Plates.

www.kyleswitchplates.com

Or you could make an adapter cord using a piece of 12/3 SO cord, a 14-30P, and a 6-20C

Or you could put a 14-30P on the end of the compressor cord, you won't use the terminal marked white even though there is a white wire in the cord


Or, even easier is to buy the adapter cord you posted while I was typing everything above.

Thanks @sparky 1971. I don't feel like rewiring the outlet (got too many other projects), so I'll just wait for the adapter cord to show up at my door tomorrow (thanks Amazon overnight!).

 

[u2slow]

Can make adapter cords from old dryer and range whips too.

 

[lyonkster]

Can make adapter cords from old dryer and range whips too.

Agreed, but I think the premade connector for < $20 is easier .

 

[micromind]

Hope someone can help me - I picked up a 40 yo 240V 20A Craftsman compressor, but am having trouble finding a way to plug it into my new garage outlet.

Here's the plug:



And here's the outlet the electrician installed for the compressor:



The outlet is a NEMA 14-30, rated for 30A, but I can't find an adapter/connector to make the compressor plug work with it.

Is there an existing adapter I can use, or do I need to modify the outlet or the plug?

The electrician is an idiot......actual electricians know to put the ground pin up for these outlets.

 

[lyonkster]

The electrician is an idiot......actual electricians know to put the ground pin up for these outlets.

Ugh, you are right.

 

[PelicanPines]

I realize that, that's why I am asking for help. I think this connector will fix the issue without dealing with the outlet:

Learn something new all the time. That looks like it might work. I'm the kind of GJ guy that would rewire with the correct outlet but I see your point.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Amazon to the rescue!

TIP! Turn that receptacle so the ground is on the top……. Turn off the power before working on it.
That adapter cord needs to "hang" without being stressed.

 

[lyonkster]

Amazon to the rescue!

TIP! Turn that receptacle so the ground is on the top……. Turn off the power before working on it.
That adapter cord needs to "hang" without being stressed.

Absolutely, I'd have to flip that outlet if I wanted to use the adapter cord. I think that if I start tinkering with the outlet, I'll just replace the 30A outlet with the 20A Leviton outlet that @sparky 1971 linked above. Cheaper, and cleaner looking, IMO.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Absolutely, I'd have to flip that outlet if I wanted to use the adapter cord. I think that if I start tinkering with the outlet, I'll just replace the 30A outlet with the 20A Leviton outlet that @sparky 1971 linked above. Cheaper, and cleaner looking, IMO.

TRUE and easy to do!
I am NOT a fan of those adapters, just another thing that can fail plus they look amateurish.……. Do it once and do it right the first time.

 

[PCustoms]

Absolutely, I'd have to flip that outlet if I wanted to use the adapter cord. I think that if I start tinkering with the outlet, I'll just replace the 30A outlet with the 20A Leviton outlet that @sparky 1971 linked above. Cheaper, and cleaner looking, IMO.

Don't forget about the breaker...

 

[lyonkster]

Don't forget about the breaker...

Thanks, I did forget about that part. Thanks for the reminder that I can't use the 30A breaker with a 20A outlet. Hmm, to swap to 20A outlet and breaker, or flip the 30A outlet and use the adapter cable.... Decisions decisions...

 

[no704]

Put the proper plug on the compressor. I’m pretty sure that is a 20A 110V plug.

 

[PCustoms]

Put the proper plug on the compressor. I’m pretty sure that is a 20A 110V plug.

I'd bet you're wrong...

 

[The Cobbler]

I’m pretty sure that is a 20A 110V plug.

wrong , heres a 20 amp 120 plug

 

[dave*99]

Thanks, I did forget about that part. Thanks for the reminder that I can't use the 30A breaker with a 20A outlet. Hmm, to swap to 20A outlet and breaker, or flip the 30A outlet and use the adapter cable.... Decisions decisions...

I’d keep the 30A receptacle. Rotate it and use the adapter. Some folks would cut the plug off the compressor and put a 14-30P on it.

If you ever need 30A it will already be there.

 

[sparky 1971]

Put the proper plug on the compressor. I’m pretty sure that is a 20A 110V plug.

Nope, it's 250 volt.

 

[sparky 1971]

Just flip the damned thing over. There are four screws for the cover and four more for the device. The adapter cord will cost less than the other alternatives.

 

[mm08822]

You can change the cb, BUT the hardwiring and receptacle is what determines the cb. (Welder recepts excluded.) This is where these adapters create mayhem.

It will be fine as long as the air compressor has OL protection.

 

[micromind]

One thing about changing the outlet.......it'll most likely be #10 solid wire. That can be a real trick to land on a 20 amp outlet and even more challenging to stuff the outlet into the box, even if it's a deep box.

 

[PCustoms]

You can change the cb, BUT the hardwiring and receptacle is what determines the cb.

No kidding, that why I reminded him that if he swaps the receptacle to a 20A the CB needs to be changed....

 

[N_Jay]

Hope someone can help me - I picked up a 40 yo 240V 20A Craftsman compressor, but am having trouble finding a way to plug it into my new garage outlet.

Here's the plug:



And here's the outlet the electrician installed for the compressor:



The outlet is a NEMA 14-30, rated for 30A, but I can't find an adapter/connector to make the compressor plug work with it.

Is there an existing adapter I can use, or do I need to modify the outlet or the plug?

The problem is someone put a 110v 20A plug on it instead of a 240 20A plug.
Make sure it is really wired for 220 and just remove the wrong plug and put on a correct one.

 

[dave*99]

The problem is someone put a 110v 20A plug on it instead of a 240 20A plug.
Make sure it is really wired for 220 and just remove the wrong plug and put on a correct one.

Incorrect. It is a 20A 250V plug. This has been addressed a few times in this thread.

 

[zimman]

Ugh, you are right.

Yeah cause you'll never know when a piece of sheet metal will come sliding down the wall, into the plug and arc off because the main power is wired on the top pin???
Zim

 

[PCustoms]

The problem is someone put a 110v 20A plug on it instead of a 240 20A plug.
Make sure it is really wired for 220 and just remove the wrong plug and put on a correct one.

WTF, do people even read anymore

 

[sparky 1971]

The problem is someone put a 110v 20A plug on it instead of a 240 20A plug.
Make sure it is really wired for 220 and just remove the wrong plug and put on a correct one.

Nobody did that. The cord end is a 6-20P. 20 amp 250 volt.

6-20P 20 amp 250 volt:

AC WORKS 20 Amp 250-Volt NEMA 6-20P 3-Prong Industrial Grade Have Duty Male Plug AS620P - The Home Depot

This AC WORKS NEMA 6-20P 3-Prong Industrial Grade Have Duty Male Plug features durable construction and compact design to build or repair your own cords.

www.homedepot.com

5-20P 20 amp 120 volt:

AC WORKS 20 Amp 125-Volt NEMA 5-20P All Angles Elbow Industrial Heavy Duty Grade Male Plug ASE520P - The Home Depot

AC WORKS NEMA 5-20P All Angles Elbow Industrial Heavy Duty Grade Male Plug is made of very durable construction able to withstand impacts and chemicals.

www.homedepot.com

Do you see how the horizontal prongs are opposite each other?

 

[sparky 1971]

Yeah cause you'll never know when a piece of sheet metal will come sliding down the wall, into the plug and arc off because the main power is wired on the top pin???
Zim

While I am the first one to get pissed off over the ******* ground pin up/down argument, in this case the ground needs to be up because the 90° cord cap should be hanging down when plugged in. As is, the cord would be going up and gravity pulling it over towards the floor.

 

[dave*99]

While I am the first one to get pissed off over the ******* ground pin up/down argument, in this case the ground needs to be up because the 90° cord cap should be hanging down when plugged in. As is, the cord would be going up and gravity pulling it over towards the floor.

Agreed 100%. And the adapter the OP proposed has a 90° plug. But if anyone wants to venture there, there is a straight 14-30P available. The Hubbell one is not cheap.

 

[sparky 1971]

Agreed 100%. And the adapter the OP proposed has a 90° plug. But if anyone wants to venture there, there is a straight 14-30P available. The Hubbell one is not cheap.

I've never seen a straight cap in the wild that I remember but knew they existed. If I remember, I will check pricing through the supply house. The RA cap runs about $20, the same price as the whole adapter. Flipping a receptacle 90° seems pretty simple.

 

[mike93lx]

I'd change the receptacle and breaker as long as the breaker isn't something stupid expensive. Adapters ****

 

[dave*99]

I've never seen a straight cap in the wild that I remember but knew they existed. If I remember, I will check pricing through the supply house. The RA cap runs about $20, the same price as the whole adapter. Flipping a receptacle 90° seems pretty simple.

Yes, the straight plugs seem to run $60-120. Crazy. But just in case some future reader is brave enough to install a plug on a cord, but nervous to open up the box and twist the receptacle 180°, there are options albeit expensive ones.

HBL9431C 125/250 V, 30 A, 14-30P, 3P4W, Black, Nylon, Straight Blade Plug

125/250 V, 30 A, 14-30P, 3P4W, Black, Nylon, Straight Blade Plug

www.kellyhayes.com

 

[sparky 1971]

How many pages would that thread go?

 

[dave*99]

How many pages would that thread go?

Well, there are 4 wires in that receptacle, so figure at least 4 pages.

 

[mm08822]

WTF do people even read anymore

WTF do people even read anymore

 

[dave*99]

Every ------------------- fourth ----------------------- post

 

[duneslider]

Not to totally derail the post but why does the breaker need to be changed? We all have 20amp circuits in our house with 15amp outlets on them with stuff plugged in that pulls less than 15amps. How is that different than a 30amp circuit with a 20amp outlet and a device that pulls less than 20amps? Just trying to understand how this situation is different than the other? (I am not an electrician, nor do I stay at the holiday inn).