Splitting 240

[niceguyede]

So yesterday, I got all my tools together, got my welder plugged in, got my patch panel ready and Im about to get down to work on the 59. No, no Im not because my welder isnt welding, it's just melting wire. Great....so I start looking at the drier plug on the wall that is supposed to be 240.....it's 110 with a 240 plug.
So instead of opening the can of worms that is my garage wiring, Im looking at the panel in the house. Its an old house with a full panel. The only 30 amp breaker is my water heater. The only 50 is my a/c unit which is wired into a box outside the house.
What I want to do is take the externally wired 240 for the a/c unit and split it into 2 legs in another box or sub-panel. 1- 50 amp for the a/c, and 1- 30 amp for the welder. The a/c would be wired direct like it is now, but the welder lead would be a plug so I can just plug in my extension.
So....anyone see anything wrong with this????? I wire cars, not homes, so in my pee brain this theory sounds great! So that means I'm missing something!

 

[Gooch]

what kind of panel do you have in your home?

I'd try to buy a few tandem breakers if possible and just install a 30a two pole breaker.

 

[Gregishome]

No good, you will be overloading the 50 amp A/C breaker in doing so because you are designing a system that only you know how to use.

The arrangemnt you propose may work good for you but one needs to remember that when it comes time to sell the home, or there is a fire, any "jacklegged " wiring will be frowned upon by the AHJ...

Gooch's reply above has your correct answer, clear up a two pole space in your panel box and put in a two pole breaker just for your welder. It may be sub-panel time for your garage also.

 

[niceguyede]

Thanks guys. Problem is its a rent house built in the 50's. I wouldnt do anything I couldnt undo when I move. I'm definatly not getting into the main panel. It is full and would require a new panel.
My girlfriend nailed it. "sounds like it would be cheaper to just get a generator." That's why she's a keeper!

 

[pattenp]

Plus you'd have the generator if the power goes out.

 

[Viriiguy]

If it is a rental, I would not mess with it. Ask the landlord to put one in or move. you are opening yourself up for a WORLD of trouble by doing, unlicensed, unapproved work on a home you do not own.

 

[niceguyede]

Just a thought....What if I put a diverted switch....either a/c or welder plug? That way no matter what only one circuit would be using the load at a time?

 

[timewarp]

Is this a gas dryer? I've never seen an electric dryer that only uses 110, are you sure you just didn't test the voltage to ground?

 

[6768rogues]

50 amps for an air conditioner? Mine draws 15 amps and is on a 20 amp breaker.

 

[elguappo]

I want to power my compressor from my dryers 220v line.
Would a diverter switch/plug suffice?
Panel is on the other side of the house, so unfortunatley running a new line isn't an option.