How do I install a 220 volt outlet?

Answer 1

The installation is similar to that of a 120V outlet. The part you have to be careful with is getting the correct size wire and breaker.

240V is installed using 3 conductor wire (Black, Red, White). The Black and Red hooks to a double-pole circuit breaker. The white and grounding the same as a 120V system.

You actually don't need a 3 wire cable for a 240 volt outlet. The neutral more than likely will not be used and a three wire cable over a two wire cable adds extra costs to the overall job total. If you can afford it however, it is a good idea as then the outlet can be used as a split voltage outlet, and the wiring is pre installed.

There will be 2 wires for installing a 240 VAC outlet. One red and one black.

Answer 2

You will need new outlet, wiring sufficient for the amperage (load current), double-pole circuit-breaker/fuses to protect the wiring (and load), and possibly a sub-panel (if other panel is already "full"), all of which your local electrician can help you with.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

Answer 3

* You should probably have a qualified electrician do this. * Be sure to be extremely careful if you chose to undertake this. * As a homeowner, you can do this yourself and take out the necessary permits. To do this, you will need to install a double breaker (one with the bar across the two switched. This will be a wider than normal breaker and will go across the two poles in the panel box). From the box, you will need to run 12-3 (or possibly 10-3 depending on the amperage) to the 220v outlet. The 3 wires in this set will be a black, a white, and a red. If using BX armour shielded, the metal jacket of the cable provides the ground. If using romex, there will be an additional wire, this will not be insulated and will be connected to the grounding bar in the panel box. The grounding bar will usually be opposite the neutral grounding bar (the bar where the white wires are hooked). While they are often times connected to eachother, it is necessary to keep the wires separate for code purposes. The black and red wires from the newly installed cable will be connected to the newly installed breaker. Be sure the breaker is OFF when installing the cables, as per the panel box will most likely be live. Also be sure that no wires comes into contact with any of the live terminals in the panel box. When working in a live panel box, work with one wire at a time and be patient. Now that the panel box has been taken care of, you may now run the cable to the outlet and wire it up accordingly. When running the cable, try to avoid sharp bends and tack the wire using approved staples. Finally, make sure to properly hook-up the outlet. I cannot stress enough to consult the latest edition of the National Electric Code. Also, take your time and be patient. There is a lot of power in that panel box and requires your full attention.

Answer 4

Bare wires!?!?!?! For 240V you need 3 wires plus ground. Red and Black are hot, white is neutral. Don't mess with 240V if you have no idea what you're doing. It's not safe at all.

Answer 5

A 220V should be grounded like every other fixture, through a green or bare wire to the neutral bus in the main panel.

Answer 6

You better call an electrician.