yet another wiring question

[one more cast]

My air compressor is a craftsman 220v and I have a question on wiring the outlet. It has one horizontal slot,one vertical slot and one round. It looks just like a 110v outlet with one slot horizontal. I know the 2 slots are hot but is the round the bare ground and do I just disregard the extra wire?

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: yet another wiring question

Not trying to confuse ya OMC, but are you SURE it's 220 volt? A 20 amp 120 volt receptacle (NEMA 5-20) and a 240 volt, 20 amp receptacle (NEMA 6-20) look very similar.<br />

<br /><br />The top picture is a 5-20 receptacle, the lower a 6-20 receptacle.<br /><br />

<br /><br />If it is the 240 volt, most guys just run a 12-2 w/ground and tape the white wire to designate it as a hot at both ends.

 

[one more cast]

Re: yet another wiring question

I'm sure its 220 and I've been doing some research and it looks like I should have used 12-2. I already ran 12-3 so I guess my question is what do I do with the extra wire? Can I cut it off,or wire nut it, or should I rewire it?

 

[vipzach]

Re: yet another wiring question

OMC, just use the red and black wires for the hots and the cap or cut back the white. I wouldn't rewire it.

 

[divo]

Re: yet another wiring question

Just wirenut off the white wire on both ends. Cutting it off is not a good idea, plus it might come in handy one day. Have a safe newyear!!!!

 

[Ron G]

Re: yet another wiring question

Ditto,later you might want a different plug or machine there.

 

[one more cast]

Re: yet another wiring question

Thanks, all done.

 

[--GQ--]

Re: yet another wiring question

hmmmm... hold on OMC, not done yet. You are running 12 guage wire for a 220-240V compressor. Just curious, what is the full load amps of the compressor? Check the name plate on the motor.

 

[one more cast]

Re: yet another wiring question

GQ, The compressor came with a 20 amp configured plug and I've been running it on a 20 amp circuit for 20 years.(I just moved it to my new house).I thought I ran 3-12 but its actually 3-10 that I have wired to a 20 amp breaker. Some people frown on that but the whole run is only about 5 feet long.

 

[dogsdad]

Re: yet another wiring question

Always better to over-wire than to over-breaker. The heavier wire won't hurt a thing.