Question regarding Making 220 Volt Extension cord - Page 2

Question regarding Making 220 Volt Extension cord · 03-16-2007, 01:59 PM

I want to make a 200 Volt extension cord. I know what connectors I need. It will run from a 20 AMp outlet. What wire should I use? 10/3? 12/3? I know it needs a ground wire.

Doug

BumoutBob · 03-16-2007, 05:22 PM

According to Baldor http://www.baldor.com/products/specs...40C+AMB%2DCONT
a 3 HP 230 VAC single phase motor will pull 12.5amps @ 230VAC. My pick would be 12 AWG wire. You would be able to run all day and not ruin your motor due to low voltage from drop across the extension.

scsmith42 · 03-16-2007, 05:29 PM

Allen, for a 220 or VAC motor, you are correct. However, for a piece of machinery that requires 220, as stated earlier a separate neutral is required under code if the equipment has any controls or motors that operate on 110 VAC. One example would be a piece of equipment that had a worklight built into it, such as a drill press.

I probably should have put more thought into my original answer though, since this site is primarily aimed at woodworking and most woodworking tools do not have separate 120VAC circuits that require the separate neutral.

I also do metalworking and welding and have a variety of equipment for same, and many of my non-woodworking pieces of equipment require 4 wire 220 single phase. Hence my thought process...

Regards,

Scott

woodworker2000 · 03-16-2007, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by chris99z71

All good advice on oversizing your wire with respect to your breaker. Yes, 10/3 is a little more than 12/3, but it's not like you're buying 1000' of wire. The price difference is ~$0.30 to $0.40/ft. So to me, it's worth it to have that much extra protection in my home to justify spending an extra $12 on a 30' extension cord.
Again, just my $0.01

Overkill. We're talking about an appliance that will only be drawing current when Doug is in his shop using it (I don't think he leaves his saw running when he isn't using it). I don't see any benefit in oversizing the wire for a 10' extension cord.

scsmith42 · 03-16-2007, 06:17 PM

Jim, you old bonepicker - you are indeed correct - the 4th wire is a neutral for a 120VAC circuit. Thanks for the correction; I would not want to mislead someone.

Looks like I'll have to sharpen up my act if I'm gonna hang around y'all!

Scott

Douglas Robinson · 03-18-2007, 06:21 PM

I made a cord and it works fine. Here is a picture. Thanks for the input.

Doug