![]() First, you’ll need to find the correct type of outlet, and then install a separate double-pole breaker for each appliance at the electrical panel. Installing a 240-volt outlet properly requires working with a variety of tools and materials, including a drill, saw, wire strippers, pliers, and a voltage tester. Should I Install a 240-Volt Outlet Myself? It’s therefore easy to get what you need based on the requirements of an individual appliance manufacturer. An outlet itself is relatively affordable and can even be purchased online. You can purchase them at any home improvement, hardware, or electrical supply store. The heavy-duty outlet may also be used with an air compressor, welder, or Level 2 electric car charger.Įlectrical outlets are easy to find. This includes appliances such as an oven, range, or cooktop as well as a clothes dryer, water heater, or air conditioner. Plugging in a large appliance with a 240-volt outlet also allows it to run more efficiently. While older models had three prongs, they can be easily rewired to improve safety and make them compatible with modern electrical requirements. The appliance’s user manual will tell you what outlet the system requires.įour-prong, 240-volt outlets are used to deliver power to heavy-duty appliances. There are different types of 240-volt outlets as well, depending on the application, appliance, and required amperage. If you find these, it’s best to upgrade them as newer outlets are made to meet the latest safety standards. Older types had a three-prong configuration with a backward “L” socket hole and two holes on the side that were placed diagonally. Newer four-prong outlets add a ground wire over older three-pronged ones that helps avoid electrical shock.Ī 240-volt outlet is typically about 4½ inches high and 4½ inches wide. A 240-volt outlet is larger with two vertical side holes, an “L”-shaped hole on top, and a bottom hole that looks like a half circle. You can easily tell the two apart by the 240-volt outlets’ 4 prong design shown above. However, a 240-volt outlet has two 120-volt wires plus a neutral wire and ground wire. Modern-day 120-volt outlets have three prongs, a 120-volt wire and a neutral wire. How a 240-Volt Outlet Differs from a 120-Volt Outlet Higher-powered appliances, such as a washer/dryer, require more electricity, and that’s where a 240-volt outlet is needed. A standard outlet is rated for 120 volts and is suited for plugging in a TV, computer, vacuum cleaner, or other regular household electrical device. An outlet is the connection point between the source of electricity and an electrical device or appliance. Grounding contacts of receptacles furnished as part of the equipment are bonded to the equipment.What is a 240-Volt outlet and why are they so common? Let’s start from the beginning, outlets are, or should be, a familiar device in the home.The grounded conductor is insulated, or the grounded conductor is uninsulated and part of a Type SE service-entrance cable and the branch circuit originates at the service equipment.The grounded conductor is not smaller than 10 AWG copper or 8 AWG aluminum.The supply circuit is 120/240-volt, single-phase, 3-wire or 208Y/120-volt derived from a 3-phase, 4-wire, wye- connected system.However, the NEC specifically makes an exception for ovens and dryers:Ģ50.140 Frames of Ranges and Clothes Dryers.Įxception: For existing branch-circuit installations only where an equipment grounding conductor is not present in the outlet or junction box, the frames of electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers, and outlet or junction boxes that are part of the circuit for these appliances shall be permitted to be connected to the grounded circuit conductor if all the fol- lowing conditions are met. ![]() ![]() Normally grounding a device via the neutral wire is not allowed. Dryers with three-prongs are grounded using the neutral wire, when hooked up correctly (see answer for info on how to do that).
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