240v Question


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Old 06-12-18, 08:03 PM
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240v Question

I recently purchased a Bandsaw that is 11amp 240v. The previous owner of my house had installed a 240v plug near the breaker panel. When I look at it, it has a 50 amp plug but the bandsaw has a 30 amp plug style on it. When I went to remove the 50 amp outlet, The black and red were in the spots for Hot 1 and Hot 2 but the white was where the green or ground should be. When I trace it back to the panel, there are two 50 amp breakers one with the red and one with the black wire. The white wire is screwed into the left side bar but I am not sure if it is a neutral or ground bar. I have included a picture of the panel. If that white wire is actually the ground, then I know how to wire in the 30 amp outlet. If not, I need help.
 
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Old 06-12-18, 09:14 PM
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Is this the only panel in the house or the first psnel,past the meter?
 
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Old 06-13-18, 06:44 AM
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It is the only panel in the house.
 
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Old 06-13-18, 06:52 AM
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Your panel has a combined neutral/ground bar. Both bars should be bonded to the panel. Your saw does not need a neutral, just a ground.

I am curious about needing a 30a breaker. If really 11a a 20 amp breaker should be all it needs.
 
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Old 06-13-18, 07:02 AM
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So he used the neutral wire essentially as the ground wire then. Would it be worth my time and money to swap out the breakers for maybe 30 amp? I only ask in case I ever move machines or add I might need the extra amperage.
 
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Old 06-13-18, 09:02 AM
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Yes change to 30a if a 20a won't work. A white can't be used as a ground.
 
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Old 06-13-18, 09:25 AM
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Does the cable to the outlet also have a bare ground wire? If there is a bare ground then the white wire(neutral) can be capped with a wire nut and not used. I dare say whoever owned the bandsaw previously put a 30A plug on it to match an outlet they have.
 
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Old 06-13-18, 10:53 AM
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Yes, the bare ground is available. I will just go with that and probably keep the 50 amp circuits in for now.
 
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Old 06-13-18, 05:09 PM
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You need to check the name plate or instructions for the saw to find out what the correct amperage circuit it must run on.

It is not proper to replace the plug on a tool or appliance or device with a different amperage plug.

If you replace the receptacle on your 50 amp circuit with a 30 amp receptacle then you must replace the breaker with a 30 amp breaker.

If you think you will need or want the 50 amp circuit in the future then you should run a new 240 volt circuit for the band saw.
 
 

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