rewiring a 115 to a 220 volt

Hi, I was wondering if anyone out there has tips on installing a 220 volt receptacle in an already existing 115. I just got a shop space and need a 220 outlet. Is it easier to pay an electrician? Or failry simple for the somewhat mechanically inclined?

 

The answer depends on what your trying to connect. 220v may be a two hot wires and a ground or two hots one neutral and a ground. The next thing is how many amps is the 220v equipment and what size of wire is already there. The new equipments rating must match the wire used.
My sudjestion is if you wish to do this yourself get a good do it yourself book and study it. Then when answers come back to you you'll have an understanding of whats going on. The next thing is if your nervous or have absulutly no electrical background or don't have the time to read a little hire it out it would be safer, and most likely less stressful.

 

Most 120-volt receptacles are general purpose. 240-volt receptacles are not general purpose, and must be tailored to the particular application. Your first job is to decide exactly what you need to plug in, and determine its electrical requirements.

If you have two available spaces in your panel, one above the other, and if you can easily get and protect a new cable from your panel to where you want the 240-volt receptacle, then this job is probably within the skills of a competent DIYer. It is, however, considerably more dangerous than the average DIY electrical project.

Do some research and post back with specific questions.