Do they make a 240v switch for switching power to different outlets

[jam022316]

I have a heater and air compressor that both require the same amperage. I
have a limited number of space left in my electrical box. Do they make a switch that has the power going into the switch box and i could switch the power to the outlet that I'm needing to use? Does that make sense?

 

[where2]

Sounds like a good use for a DPDT contactor with a 120v coil.

 

[Grumpy365]

They make a 2 pole and 3 pole switch.

I know Square D makes them, I don't know who else.
I think I paid close to $50.00 for the 2 pole and $100.00 for the 3 pole.

Grainger item # 1H400

Square D Model # 2510KG1

 

[Grumpy365]

Ok, I re-read the OP.

To do what you described I would mount 2 contractors in a small enclosure. Each contractor would feed a separate plug.

I would mount a switch in the door.

I would run the power so the switch in one position feeds one holding coil. When you switch the switch it feeds the other holding coil.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

What amperage do you want to switch? and what is the actual horsepower of the compressor?

Motors require a motor rated switch, and the amp rating on the switch may be enough to handle the heater but the hp rating may not be enough to handle the compressor, even though its amperage is within the limits of the switch.

hp rating of a switch takes into account the starting surges of the motor, to an extent.

Also give us information about the brand, size, etc of your panel. Its possible you could replace eight of the regular single pole (120v) breakers with the tiny half width or tandem breakers, this would free up four full size spaces for two double pole breakers. They also make dual double pole breakers that take up the space of one double pole breaker. Depends on the brand of panel.

Are the heater and compressor hardwired? Plug in? If hardwired, are they in line of sight from the breaker panel?

Charles

 

[theoldwizard1]

• Leviton 1282 15A 1/2 hp
• Leviton 1286 20A 1 hp
• Leviton 1288 30A 2 hp

Suffix

• W - White
• I - Ivory
• B - Brown

Check www.zorortool.com For the price they are charging, they must have GOLD contacts !

I would watch for a used 50A DPDT "safety switch" on CL. You might be able to pick one up cheap.

Actually, if they are reasonably close together, it may be cheaper to install a 240V outlet, like a 6-30 or 6.50, depending on the size of the wire and breaker, and then put pig tails on the equipment.

 

[Norcal]

• Leviton 1282 15A 1/2 hp
• Leviton 1286 20A 1 hp
• Leviton 1288 30A 2 hp

Suffix

• W - White
• I - Ivory
• B - Brown

Check www.zorortool.com For the price they are charging, they must have GOLD contacts !

I would watch for a used 50A DPDT "safety switch" on CL. You might be able to pick one up cheap.

Actually, if they are reasonably close together, it may be cheaper to install a 240V outlet, like a 6-30 or 6.50, depending on the size of the wire and breaker, and then put pig tails on the equipment.

Double throw 2 & 3 pole safety switches come in 30,60,100 ampere rating & larger too. 50 ampere is not a standard rating.

 

[jam022316]

Thank you all for the information, man I love GJ. I will get you all the specs you requested so everyone can recommend a setup. Things I do know, neither heater or compressor are hard wired and are about 15 ft apart. I will do my research and provide more info. Thank you all for the suggestions so far!

 

[Aceman]

I'd be looking at using twins or quads or a larger panel before I started using something oddball like double throw switches....

 

[APEowner]

A sub-panel is on my to-do list but right now I have a similar situation. I only have room for one outlet so i put a plug on my compressor and just plug in whatever 220v equipment I want to use. at the moment.

When I get a chance I'll put in a sub-panel.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'd be looking at using twins or quads or a larger panel before I started using something oddball like double throw switches....

I assume you are referring to tandem breakers like this

Good suggestion. Find 4 120V circuit next to each in your load center. Replace them with 2 tandem breakers and then you have 2 empty slots !

 

[Grumpy365]

two of these
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...,_UL_Recognized,_175A-760A_(PB_Series)/PB1041

two of these
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...ctors_-z-_Overloads/9_to_25_Amp/SC-E02-220VAC

one of these
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...elector_Switches_(Non-Illuminated)/HT8JDH3AA5

one of these
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...ccessories/Contact_Blocks_(HT800_Series)/HT8B



I take NO responsibility for product selection / design/ concept/etc. or LIABILITY if this **** burns your house down, electrocutes you, doesn't work, interferes with your pacemaker, causes impedance, constipation, diaria, cancer, divorce, depression, pregnancy, or your dog to hate you.
I am some imaginary guy on the internet, keep that in the forefront of your mind


Double / Tripple check the voltage reatings and amperage rating of contactors and control components. I just grabbbed random parts.

 

[larry_g]

You could go old school

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Warrenator]

If you wanna go cheap they make air conditioner disconnects for $15 bucks, they come in a little enclosure box. I use two to share the 220 power between my welder and compressor. Not enough power to use both at the same time, so I make sure one is off before the other is on.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Is there a reason you can't simply have two receptacles on the same circuit?

 

[A_Pmech]

You could go old schoo

Mmmm! Soapstone switch boards!

 

[Alchymist]

Ok, I re-read the OP.

To do what you described I would mount 2 contractors in a small enclosure. Each contractor would feed a separate plug.

I would mount a switch in the door.

I would run the power so the switch in one position feeds one holding coil. When you switch the switch it feeds the other holding coil.

Most contractors would object to being mounted. Guess you would have to keep them in an enclosure....Contactors on the other hand.......

 

[Grumpy365]

Most contractors would object to being mounted. Guess you would have to keep them in an enclosure....Contactors on the other hand.......

Most contractors I know prefer to pitch, instead of catch

 

[Speedy Petey]

Is there a reason you can't simply have two receptacles on the same circuit?

This is my suggestion. I think the OP is way over-complicating things.

Just put a receptacle for each item and only turn on the one you want to use.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

This is my suggestion. I think the OP is way over-complicating things.

Just put a receptacle for each item and only turn on the one you want to use.

Reading through this thread, i thought the same thing!

 

[jam022316]

Really wish there were "like" buttons on forums. You guys have me cracking up. I'll admit it turns out I was way over complicating/thinking things. Went to the store bought a couple of the two in one breakers (think you guys were calling them tandem breakers) and I'm off and running. Thanks for all the suggestions and a reason to laugh at myself Appreciate the help.