220 vac, single phase wiring, 15 amps

I am going to install a 220 vac, single phase, 15 amp circuit in my garage for my air compressor. It has been over 5 years since I did this in my last house, and my memory is a little vague as to how I did it, then.

If I remember correctly, I use a dual (bridged?) 15/15 amp circuit breaker, two 12 ga. copper wires, and a ground wire. I connect the 12 ga. wires to each connector of the circuit breaker, and to the two screws on the outlet. The ground wire goes from the ground bus in my service box to the ground screw on the outlet, and that is it.

Have I remembered this correctly, or is alzheimer's kicking in early? Your help is greatly appreciated!

 

Your basic plan is fine. Of course there are a lot more details, such as wire color, insulation, protection, securing, routing, etc. But what you've said so far is right on the money.

You want a "double-pole" breaker.

Depending on where you live, you can probably do this with 12/2 NM cable (but not if you're in the Chicago or New York areas, or a few other large east-coast cities, or areas that have strong electrical unions). If NM cable is not allowed, you'll need conduit.

Technically, 14-gauge wire is sufficient, but I encourage you to continue with your plan to use 12-gauge wire.

Tighten all the screws very firmly in your panel, and don't kill yourself working in there.

 

Thanks for responding, John, I have done the wiring (correct wire colors, anchoring, conduit, etc.). Once I get the air compressor out of my shed, and plugged in, I will let you know how that part went. But, so far the circuit breakers haven't tripped, and the carport I am converting to a garage hasn't burned down. Thanks for the help!!!

D.