Garage heater hookup help (220)

[sixball]

I have a 50a 250v 220 outlet in my detached garage. Looks just like a dryer receptical. Nothing is hooked to it. I just bought a garage heater that is 240v 20a and takes the odd shaped plug (nemp30???) I sized it up at Menards and bought the conector that fits the plug, and looking at my reciept it says "20A/250V Standard CN"

My question is, can I take a Dryer cord that plugs into my socket thats in the garage, splice the wires to a 12guage cord and put the conector I bought on the other end to plug into the heater and be OK (safe) or will it even work at all?

The heater has a 6 foot cord, but where the outlet is and where the heater needs to go is about 20feet away.

I replace 110 outlets and lights and such all the time, but never have done the 220.

I just want it to be safe. I'll be out there when the heaters running but still don't want to have to stop what I'm doing to grab the fire extinguisher

Thanks
Sixball

 

[pattenp]

I wouldn't do it. If your heater pulls 20amps then #12 is not large enough. You need #10. The next issue is the 50amp circuit. If there is ever an issue with the heater it may fry the cord before the breaker trips.

 

[Falcon67]

What he said - 20A heater requires 10 gauge wire, so with the right plugs and cable you could make an extension cord. I'd downsize the breaker to a 30 on that circuit also.

 

[foss]

Good advice.

 

[sixball]

Thanks, I think I'll get someone over to look at it and switch some things up, then I'll just have it hardwired.

It was 14 degrees out and the heater was sitting in the box, so I was wanting to get it mounted with what I had on hand.

No shorcuts in doing electricity right though......

Thanks

Sixball