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Quick answer is that 220v does not use or need a neutral. The original concept of the neutral (going back to Edison and DC power) was cutting the power in half (not really accurate but one way to look at it). Think about two 110v batteries in series the neutral would come off the connection between the two batteries. so current flow would go from +110 to -110 (first battery) to +110 to -110 (second battery) resulting in 220 output. The connection between the batteries (the neutral) is +110 / -110 resulting in 0. If you want a 110 current instead of using the full flow you could instead use only 'one side' and the neutral and get the 110. When we made the move from DC to AC the basics of this format was kept. So for 110v you need hot and neutral (and a ground) for 220v you need two hots (no neutral) and a ground.
HUGE CATCH - WARNING - WARNING!!!
Just because you think your equipment is 220v doesn't mean everything it does it does requires 220v for example: some equipment uses 220v for the motor and 110v for the rest of its electrical needs (Dryers are a typical example). In the old days, the dryer would use the two hots (and ground for safety) for 220v and then use one hot and ground (no 'safety' ground) for 110v. However, people often got shocked because this unsafe method would often cause the entire metal chassis to take on a charge. So todays dryers (and any other machine that has both 220v and 110v components) have and are required to have 2 hots ground and neutral. However, the documentation isn't always specific about the '110v need' and a lot of 220v only equipment will still have 4 wire connections even though the neutral is not needed.
If you are sure your equipment never utilizes 110v - then you don't need a neutral (a single motor, no thrills (control panel, laser guides, etc), 220v table saw would be fine with out a neutral (one with the thrills may be fine also - depends on the power requirement of the 'thrills'). I don't know about your generator is depends if it is strictly 220v.
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How would you make a patch cord to go from a 220V 30-amp 4-wire generator to run a 220V 20-amp 3-wire portable compressor?
To make a patch cord for this setup, you will need a 4-prong 220V plug that matches the generator's outlet, a length of appropriate wire rated for 30 amps, properly sized for the distance between the generator and compressor, and a 3-prong 220V plug that matches the compressor's inlet. Connect the wires according to color-coded standards (red and black to the hot terminals, white to the neutral terminal, green to the ground terminal). Make sure the wire gauge matches the amperage rating to avoid overheating.
Converting a pump motor from 110 to 220v 2 hot leads and a ground is there any use for the neutral?
No, the neutral wire is not needed for a 220V setup as it is a single-phase system. The two hot leads will supply the necessary power for the motor, while the ground wire is for safety grounding purposes. Always refer to the motor's specifications and local electrical codes when making such conversions.
When does a motor not need a neutral wire?
If the motor is operated from a three phase three wire distribution system the motor will not need a neutral wire.
How many wires does a straight 220V circuit have?
A straight 220V circuit typically has 2 wires - one hot wire (typically black or red) and one neutral wire (typically white). These wires are used to carry the electrical current to and from the device being powered.
How many conductors in 220v 30amp circuit using?
A 220V 30A circuit typically requires three conductors: two hot wires and one ground wire. An additional neutral wire may be needed depending on the specific electrical configuration or equipment being used.
