Installing a 220-volt outlet isn’t all that hard at all. Following the instructions in my video, you’ll be fine.
So here’s the deal on installing more than one per circuit. It’s all math by the way, oh yeah, and lots more money. If you have 2 220 outlets and each one is 20 amps. You’ll need to use #8 wire for the whole circuit including a 40 amp breaker. Now just the wire alone is going to cost you. So yes you can, but do you really want to?
A big misconception is that you can only install one 220-volt device/outlet per circuit/breaker. Although you’ll be better off for every 220 devices/outlet having it on its own breaker.
In the below diagram, you will notice that for a 220-volt outlet, you would need a two-pole breaker. What this means is that the breaker will take the power from the panel in two very different phases. Each one is 110 volts. Combined you have your 220 volts. However, you will still need ground as you can see. Some need a neutral as well. Most of the time these would be things like your stove. But for now, this pretty much covers a simple 15 or 20-amp 220 volts.
For the wiring needed for this type of insulation, you would use a 12/2 wire for a 20 amp installation.
If you’re looking for instructions on how to install a 4-wire 220 outlet see this video
The red wire is really just red for the picture. If you’re using a 12/2 wire you would simply just use the white and the black wires to power the outlet and the bare copper for the ground that I show here in brown. Don’t think you can just use two separate breakers. It just doesn’t work that way.
This setup does not use a neutral wire. The neutral wire is a return path back to the transformer, in other words, a balanced one. More reason why you can’t add more than one 220 outlets per breaker. This is considered a two-wire setup.
You may like to read my how to wire a clothes dryer using 4 wire. This setup uses the neutral wire. Click here
Don’t forget to look at how to wire a 4-wire 220-volt outlet.
Comments ( 49 )
Great video. Really nicely explained and entertaining. I’ll be installing a 220 plug for a welder in the next couple weeks. Thanks.
Awesome, glad I could help you out. Happy New Year.
hi, I have installed a 220v 20amp outlet like the one in the video. I plan to use equipment purchased in China, do you know if there is an adapter that will let me plug a chinese connector into that outlet?
thanks,
Steve
I don’t know of any but I’m sure they make them. however it would be much better and easier to just replace the plug. But make sure what you’re getting is the right Htz. and phase we have here in the USA. If you send me a link to it I’ll be more than happy to look at it for you.
I need help with some electrical questions.
I have small appliances from Japan (100V, 50-60Hz), washer/dryer from Korea (220V, 60Hz) and oven/microwave oven from Malaysia (220-240V, 50Hz, 6.6-6.0A). The Korean plug has 2 round prongs and the Malaysian 3 large flat prongs (British style).
1- Is it possible to have a house in the US wired with 100V and 220V outlets?
2- If so, would any electrician be able to do it?
3- Would it be safe to plug the 50Hz oven in a 220V 60Hz outlet?
Thank you.
Hi how are you. To be completely honest with you I don’t know. Yes you can have 220 volt outlets in your house. But 100 volts ? That seems low. Did you mean 120 ?
Thanks for the prompt reply.
Yes, 100V. In Japan the electrical grid is set to 100V. There are 2 frequencies 60 Hz in the West and 50Hz in the East. I wonder if there is a long term problem if I plug the Japanese appliances into a 120V outlet…
One way to find out, LOL.. 100v I never knew that. I in the UK it’s all 220v 50Hz. I’m sure you can get a reducer but it won’t be cheap.
Sorry I had to make a new one. But here you go.
I have 110 in the house, I have 110 in the garage which is hooked up to house panel also have panel in garage, would like to have 220 outlet in garage to run 220 heater. any suggestion would be appreciated thank you
If you have a sub panel in the garage you should be able to pull the 220 from there. You would have to see if there is two hot legs in the panel and you really should have that.
How many feet do 220 outlets have to be from each other?…reason…..I’m building a house and want to run my washer and dryer in the kitchen……(I have a huge kitchen.) But I have a oven on the wall that has the only space were I can put the washer and dryer. Can I run 2 220s side by side say within 5 ft..?
And should I separate the two with the washer?
Thanks
You can put them anywhere you want. For 220 there is not min. But each one has to have it’s own breaker.
Great video and very informative. You saved me a good chunk of change. I ran the line, connected the receptacle, grounded the line in the box then put in the circuit without incident. Thanks a lot brother!
Awesome, always glad to hear I helped someone. Merry Christmas.
Could I pull to 120 volt wires from a solar-powered DC to AC 120v inverter and combine those two Hots onto a single 2 pole breaker in a subpanel to get 240 volts?
You’ll have to be more detailed in your question.
Would you put the video back? Tks!
Hey I need to run a 220 dyer wire another 20 ft. can I add to the wire to make it reach
Sure you can. Just do it with a junction box.