Would this work?

[livinloud11]

I have a 220v outlet in my garage thats occupied for my dryer, but I plan to need another outlet for an air compressor down the road.

My question is could I take a plug from the outlet, splice the wires into two 220v female ends, then plug the dryer into one and the compressor into the other? I wouldn't need to run both at the same time but I would like to eliminate having to unplug one and plug in the other.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I really would not do that. There is always the chance that the compressor will run when the dryer is running, and trip the breaker, not a problem, but a PITA to have to go reset it. Other issue is that when you add connections, splices, plugs, etc into a circuit, you are asking for more problems. There are more places for things to go wrong.

Charles

 

[alkknight]

You could put a plug on the air compressor and plug it in the dryer receptacle when you wanted to use it.... After doing that a few dozen times, you may be inclined to run a new circuit for te compressor though.

 

[livinloud11]

I would love to run a new one, however theres two things stopping me. One, is I have no idea how to do it, and two im renting my house so something temporary sounds great.

 

[Syberia]

Of course you could do it. It is fundamentally no different than using a multi-tap on a 120v outlet. If the OP shuts off the compressor when not in use, there is no chance of it running when the dryer is on.

 

[livinloud11]

That's what I'll most likely end up doing. My dryer never runs when I'm in the garage doing something lol. Laundry and car stuff doesn't happen simultaneously.

 

[livinloud11]

Also my dryer outlet is a 10-30R, and the air compressor reads 230v 15amps, would I be able to connect the compressor to this outlet?

 

[RECox286]

If you introduce a 30A 2 pole 2 throw switch to feed the two

plugs, there would be no peril of running both the dryer and

compressor, it would be either load 1 or load 2. Catch the drift ?

I think the main point is you want to do what would be the

easiest. If running a new wire for the compressor is a lot

of trouble, then go the easier route, no biggie !

Uncle Bob

 

[livinloud11]

I have no issues running one at a time I was just concerned with the 15amp vs 30amp. Im no electrician! thank you for the inputs!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

First youre a renter which means big liability issues.

Second, motor circuits are sized specifically.

How many HP is the compressor?

 

[Bondo]

I have no issues running one at a time I was just concerned with the 15amp vs 30amp. Im no electrician! thank you for the inputs!

Ayuh,... No problem, the 30a means the plug, 'n wirin' Can supply that amount,...

The 15a is the Most the compressor should draw,...

So long as the Available is higher than the draw, yer good to go,...

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Ayuh,... No problem, the 30a means the plug, 'n wirin' Can supply that amount,...

The 15a is the Most the compressor should draw,...

So long as the Available is higher than the draw, yer good to go,...

Not true. Motors have in rush currents...

Motor circuits have different sizing requirements vs. other circuits.

Wire is sized @ 125% of FLC in NEC tables

Breaker can be sized max 250% FLC....

So what is the HP rating??

OP as far using the dryer circuit, is it fed from your main service panel or a subpanel?