wiring a 220 volt outlet


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Old 05-28-23, 01:53 PM
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wiring a 220 volt outlet

I had an electric wall heater with a dedicated circuit. It is 220 volt. The old fan was hardwired. I'm replacing the fan and am considering putting in a 220 volt outlet. The cable is 12/2 with black and neutral both hot. How would this be wired to the outlet? I've attached a photo from a site and as you can see the 220 volt setup is 12/3 cable. Can I put in a 220 outlet with just 12/2?
 

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05-28-23, 06:36 PM
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The neutral is NOT hot. The white wire is hot. Not all white wires are neutrals.
 
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Old 05-28-23, 02:21 PM
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240v using 12-2 w/ground yields a three prong 20A receptacle.
There are many three prong receptacles available.
Not a four prong as shown.
 
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Old 05-28-23, 04:36 PM
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With 12-2 you need a 6-20r outlet which is only 240V. The picture you show is for an outlet that provides both 120V and 240V by having a neutral.
 
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Old 05-28-23, 06:36 PM
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The neutral is NOT hot. The white wire is hot. Not all white wires are neutrals.
 
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Old 05-29-23, 12:39 AM
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he cable is 12/2 with black and neutral both hot.
The others have mentioned very valid things here.

You need to do a bit more research to educate yourself - no offense meant. I mean that you need to get a better understanding of 120v compared to 240 volt and 120/240 devices.

Biggest misconception of many DIYers is that if a wire is "white" it is a neutral. This is incorrect especially in your case as you lay out the logic.

You can't just use any receptacle/outlet you want to use and repurpose it. Receptacles have a confuguration based on the voltage and amperage what what the circuit will be utilized as and how it is set up in the way of what gauge wire to be used and over current device (breaker amperage). The different configurations are purposely done to prevent you from plugging in a device into a receptacle that does not match the same voltage and amperage. It is a security feature in a sense of the word.

Take a look at this chart. Look at the different configurations.
 
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