[Shop-talk] Installing multiple 240 outlets.

[Paul Parkanzky]

I faced a similar situation when I wired my garage.  I ended up running a
circuit to my compressor, which is hard-wired,and then putting a 220v outlet
next to the compressor on the same circuit for occasional use.  I just have to
make sure that the compressor is turned off if I'm going to plug something in
to that outlet.

I don't see why this is a safety concern.  I have many outlets wired to each
15 or 20A circuit in my house.  I can plug a 12A load into any if them, but I
can't run two 12A loads off of one.  It's the same in the garage but with
another hot leg.

-Paul

> On Sep 20, 2013, at 11:57 AM, eric at megageek.com wrote:
>
> OK, here is my situation..
>
> I need to install 240v lines for 2 devices across the shop.  Since this is
> over 50' and these are 40 amp circuits, I was wondering if there was a way
> that I could save on the wire costs.
>
> The 2 devices are an outlet for welder/plasma cutter.  It will be RARELY
> used (only if I need to weld or cut something outside the shop.)
> The other device is a electric car charger.  It's a 240v 20 amp circuit (I
> didn't think that the amps were correct, but it is.)  This will be used
> nightly.
> They will never be used at the same time.
>
> Here is what I was thinking of doing...
>
> Just running a 240/40 amp outlet to the point I need it, then put a plug
> on the car charger and leave it plugged in.  Just unplug it when I need to
> use the welder.
>
> But, I was wondering if there was a way to hardwire the charger and have
> the plug open normally.  Is there any safety concern if I did this?
>
>
> BTW, for those that may be looking for an electric car, I did major
> amounts of research and extended test drives (with metrics) on three of
> them (Smartcar electric, Leaf, Volt.).  I went with the Chevy Volt because
> it was best for my needs (but might not be best for yours).  If anyone is
> considering one of these cars, let me know and I can send you my findings.
>
>
> If you are spending more than $200 a month of fuel, and you work less than
> 30 miles away from your home, these could SAVE you money each month!
>
> I have no interest  in any of them, nor do I work for any of these firms.
> I'm just pretty good at math and it made sense to me!
>
> Eric P