Using a 220 volt 50 amp
#1
08-03-03, 10:29 AM
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Long Island, NY
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Using a 220 volt 50 amp
I have an existing 220 volt 50 amp outlet in my garage. I bought a new 220 volt compressor that is 220 volt 20 amp. Can I wire a 50 amp plug and use it for my compressor?
Larry
Larry
#2
08-03-03, 10:55 AM
you could wire a 50 amp breaker but the problem is if your compressor is rated for 20 amps its uslly a rule of thumb to wire it that way in case ther is a problem the breker will trip when it needed and not when it way to late and that would not be good thing read the manual and see if what is rated at max but i would go with a 20 map breaker if that is what the unit calls for
#3
08-03-03, 11:45 AM
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#5
08-03-03, 12:01 PM
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It's a code violation to use a 50-amp receptacle on a circuit protected by a 20-amp breaker. With two exceptions (one we quite here all the time), the receptacle rating should exactly match the breaker rating.
If you're curious, the two exceptions are: (1) you can use a 15-amp dupliex receptacle on a 20-amp circuit, and (2) you can use a 50-amp receptacle on a 40-amp circuit.
If you're curious, the two exceptions are: (1) you can use a 15-amp dupliex receptacle on a 20-amp circuit, and (2) you can use a 50-amp receptacle on a 40-amp circuit.
