installing a 240 v outlet

[1930artdeco]

Hello,


I would like to install a 240v. outlet in place of a 110v so in the future I can do some welding. The garage is already set up for 220/240 and I have an outlet for the dryer (just can't use it due to location). Is this something a novice can do?

Mike

 

[nadogail]

Maybe, it al depends on how much of a novice you are.

Also, where is the 240 source in relation to where you want the outlet?
Are the walls finished or open?
What tools do you have?

Pictures will help.

 

[1930artdeco]

I have 3 outlets on the wall with the box which is where I plan to put the 240 socket. There is one right below the box, 4 ft. and about 8 ft. away. The walls are closed up, I have nomex wiring already, plus the strippers, screw drivers etc. I have already swapped out sockets, installed a ceiling fan so as long I am not adding to the box/circuit breakers I should be able to do it. No pictures since I am at work right now.

Mike

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Really need more info:

What size 240v circuit do u want?

What size is the wire feeding the current 120v circuit?

Where does the 120v circuit terminate?

Are u wanting to use the existing wire or pull new?

How much do u know about electricity?

What tools do u have?

110v/220v is obsolete- 120v/240v is the current nominal voltage...

 

[pattenp]

Do need more info. To switch one of your 120V outlets to 240V you need to change the whole circuit to 240V. Which means all outlets on the circuit will become 240V. That is a process of changing the single pole breaker to a double pole and moving the neutral on the neutral bar to the DP breaker and remarking the white as red or black. You may not want to go that route and should think about adding a new circuit with just the one 240V outlet of the amperage needed.

 

[1930artdeco]

Ok then, it is settled, hire someone to add a new circuit. There are enough questions that I cannot answer so I will hire someone.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[pattenp]

You gave up too easy.

 

[Speedy Petey]

You gave up too easy.

I wholeheartedly disagree.

The gist I get is that he has three 120v receptacles on a wall, and wants to turn one into a 240V receptacle for a welder "as long as *he* is not adding to the box/circuit breakers".

From the tone of this thread IMO he should not be doing any electrical work.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I wholeheartedly disagree.

The gist I get is that he has three 120v receptacles on a wall, and wants to turn one into a 240V receptacle for a welder "as long as *he* is not adding to the box/circuit breakers".

From the tone of this thread IMO he should not be doing any electrical work.

Agreed. He doesnt feel comfortable working in a panel....hire a professional...

 

[pattenp]

I was thinking he made up his mind quickly with very little input. I'm not advocating someone to do electrical work that doesn't feel comfortable doing it.

 

[cagullett1]

Find a GJ member to help and pay with tools. Win win for everyone.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . . even if you hire an electrician . . . couldn't hurt for you to LEARN what the proper method should be. GJ Sparkies will give you that so you're at least knowledgeable when you're talking with the electrician.

Your thread got off to bad start with your idea that 120v run could be "converted" to 240v which is not really possible.

Post up some pictures of what you have now, and what welder or other 240v electrical load you want to run. You'll have answers in no time.

 

[1930artdeco]

After Pattenp said that I had to dig into the box I stopped. I was not sure what it took to 'convert' a 120 into a 240 outlet but digging into the box is a deal breaker for me. I can work outside of the box I just don't go into the box-so to speak. Rather than me electrocute myself or burn down my garage I would rather pay someone.

I really just wanted one 240 outlet for a small mig welder and air compressor-now that I think about it. Thank you for you input.

Mike

 

[sberry]

This is a super place to learn. Its on your own equipment and is the most basic circuit you can run.

 

[LutzTD]

how far do you need to go and how often? In my first house I did not weld very often so I made a 25ft 30A 240V extension cord to use the dryer plug for my welder outside the garage door. I used 30A plugs and some heavy insulated cable from Home Depot. I still use that cord in my shop to power my phase converter. Guys are probably going to flame me for this, but it wasnt meant to be permanent and is used judiciously.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yes cordage should not be used for permanent installs...

 

[pattenp]

Hey Wylie, you're just up the road from Oakland. Go by and give Mike a hand.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Hey Wylie, you're just up the road from Oakland. Go by and give Mike a hand.

I didnt even notice his location. Ive gotten so use to most of the members not being anywhere near me i think ive gotten in the habit of ignoring it. Which usually gets me in trouble when the OP turns out to be in canada...

Oakland is about 1.5hrs away....i will PM him.

 

[pattenp]

I didnt even notice his location. Ive gotten so use to most of the members not being anywhere near me i think ive gotten in the habit of ignoring it. Which usually gets me in trouble when the OP turns out to be in canada...

Oakland is about 1.5hrs away....i will PM him.

I was joking when I said just up the road. You're a hell of a good guy if you're even considering going round trip 3 hrs.

 

[bczygan]

A shame he gave up so early.

Not for him, but for all who could learn a thing or two.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

In fact, let's carry this on.

I am going to have a need to install some 240V receptacles.

One for a welder.

One for a compressor.

One for a VFD.

Attached garage.

Main panel is going to be a 200A QO a minimum of 30' from the nearest point of the garage.

May mount another 200A QO as a sub, in the garage. Will feed it as needed.

Was thinking of temporarily running a line for the compressor, from the existing unused range outlet.

Let's go through the process.

Bill

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I was joking when I said just up the road. You're a hell of a good guy if you're even considering going round trip 3 hrs.

Ive travelled farther when i did electrical and telecom cabling for NCR @ McDonald's, Starbucks, and Panda express restaurants! Of course travel was paid for...

Of course, working in Oakland can definitely be sketchy depending on the neighborhood....wish I had my CCW permit....

When i lived in San Jose, i drove from there to Fresno, Marysville, Clear Lake, and Pismo Beach...

 

[atthebeach]

If you do decide to hire an electrician, be sure to keep your eyes open and ask intelligent questions. I rarely need to hire a professional these days, but whenever I do it is always an opportunity to learn new skills. Most contractors are very willing to tell you something you don't know if you already understand the basics and treat them with respect. The internet is such a wealth of information, you should be able to develop an understanding of the basics ahead of time; so while the job is being done you are able to focus on the finer points. Never start a job in which you lack confidence in your ability to do it correctly. Good luck!