Here we go again....... Electric Question

happycamperbrat · July 13, 2011, 03:30:00 PM

Ugh!! For those of you who remember, not too long ago I had a friend who works at Home Depot wire some 30 and 50 amp outlets for me in my meter box. Im real embarrassed that the wiring he did could have resulted in a fire and I had to go in and change most everything he did with the help of this group. I have since then done my best to avoid electrical conversations and stuff with him because it is just too embarrassing and he IS a long time friend of the family.

Anyway, I needed to install another outlet that is supposed to be 30 amp double pole. Okay fine. I either had or got most of the stuff needed, except the female outlet. Wouldnt you know, I went to Home Depot and my friend was working and all over my project when he spotted me looking at outlets. They didnt have what I was looking for, but he was insistent that a 50 amp 3 wire female outlet would work. I bought it thinking I would take it back if you guys do not agree.

Help......

belfert · July 13, 2011, 03:41:59 PM

It sounds like you are installing a 220/240 volt circuit. There are a great many styles of 220 volt outlets. They are generally matched to the amperage required. You can't just pick up any old 220 volt outlet.

There is also the issue if a neutral is required or not. Some 220 volt circuits need a neutral like for new dryers, electric stoves, and 50 amp RVs.

happycamperbrat · July 13, 2011, 03:47:57 PM

Yes, it is a 220/240, 3 wire. My 2 pole bus is a 30 amp. The %$#& outlet I bought is 3 wire, 220/240 (or whatever, the right voltage anyway), 50 amp. The male plug that will go into it is a 30 amp 3 wire.......

Len Silva · July 13, 2011, 03:54:34 PM

Tell us exactly what you are using this circuit for. There are lots of different configurations. If it only a 240 volt circuit, like for a welder, the three wire will be fine. If it is a 120/240 circuit you will need a four wire outlet.

happycamperbrat · July 13, 2011, 04:04:54 PM

It's a welder! Thanks Len! I will go ahead and install the 50 amp female then

Melbo · July 13, 2011, 04:07:17 PM

The 50 amp three wire outlet will work just fine for a welder -- just be sure the wire / breaker are properly sized for what you are using.

HTH

Melbo

happycamperbrat · July 13, 2011, 04:14:52 PM

The wire size is all 10s and 8s upstream. So they are plenty fat I think. I was just looking at the box instructions on the 50 amp outlet though and it speaks in code with the X Y and G/T haha!!! Guys always make things so hard! I'm assuming the X and Y are for the hot wires running from the bus (red and black), while the G/T is for the Green wire (I believe guys call it the ground).......... Yes?

belfert · July 13, 2011, 04:21:36 PM

10 gauge is only good for 30 amps. 8 gauge is usually good for 40 amps although some types of wire can go up to 55 amps. 6 gauge is what is tends to be used most often for 50 amps.

happycamperbrat · July 13, 2011, 04:30:20 PM

Well, since this is actually "supposed" to be a 30 amp set up the wires are sized for that. They are not sized for 50 amp. Im going to be running 30 amp through the 50 amp female outlet IF it is safe to do, otherwise Im going to have to go to town and be more discreet next time......... lol, maybe I will wear a disguise!

Melbo · July 13, 2011, 04:36:13 PM

connect it to a 30 amp breaker to be safe the outlet won't affect the safety issue

HTH

Melbo

happycamperbrat · July 13, 2011, 04:37:53 PM

The bus bar has the 30 amp breaker with the double pole already....... is that what you mean?

belfert · July 13, 2011, 04:44:04 PM

Quote from: happycamperbrat on July 13, 2011, 04:30:20 PM
Well, since this is actually "supposed" to be a 30 amp set up the wires are sized for that. They are not sized for 50 amp. Im going to be running 30 amp through the 50 amp female outlet IF it is safe to do, otherwise Im going to have to go to town and be more discreet next time......... lol, maybe I will wear a disguise!

The talk about the 50 amp outlet confused me. I assumed a 50 amp circuit with a 50 amp receptacle.

Your receptacle needs to match the plug on your welder. It is very likely it won't plug into a 50 amp receptacle.

happycamperbrat · July 13, 2011, 04:48:05 PM

Actually, the holes and the plug do line up and fit real good. It's just that the welder (Lincoln Weldpak 155) uses 30 amp, double pole, 3 wire

Len Silva · July 13, 2011, 04:57:51 PM

That sounds a bit wonky, though not unsafe. I'll guess that somewhere along the line, someone changed to plug on the welder, probably so they could use a range outlet.

happycamperbrat · July 13, 2011, 05:26:52 PM

Thanks for pointing that out Len!! Back to the drawing board I went (the Lincoln manual) and it IS a 50 amp welder, with 3 wire durr!!!