Adding a 240v outlet(garage)

[iwannadie]

So, I might be buying a compressor and Im leaning towards a 240v model. Problem is I dont have an outlet for it in my garage and I dont want to share it with the dryer outlet or anything.

How hard is it to add a 240v outlet in a garage? Im guessing its something you need certified to do, then how much can I expect them to charge ballpark?

 

[j3pz]

mainly depends where you want it and where your electrical panel is. if your panel is in the garage and it is not drywalled, then it will be easy as pie; if it is drywalled do you ahve access above it? your best bet is to have a few electricians come out and take a look, give an estimate, etc.

 

[iwannadie]

mainly depends where you want it and where your electrical panel is. if your panel is in the garage and it is not drywalled, then it will be easy as pie; if it is drywalled do you ahve access above it? your best bet is to have a few electricians come out and take a look, give an estimate, etc.

The garage is finished(drywalls ceiling etc.), there is crawl space above it. The box is on an outside garage wall. As for position of the outlet, whatever is easiest/cheapest ha.

Ya, calling will get me the price, just thought if anyone has done it I could get a ruff idea first.

 

[Facime]

do you mean 220v? If so any regular outlet can be converted to 220 provided its on a circuit with enough amps to handle your welder and doesnt require any special skills. If however you need a line run get an electrician to do it.

edit: opps re-read, not a welder but a compressor. That is probably even easier as I dont think they draw as much amperage. do you know what the amp requirement is for the models you are looking at?

 

[iwannadie]

It is 240v not 220v for sure, Im not sure on the amps required. I dont want any issues like, I cant run my dryer with the compressor on or risk a fire lol.

In the garage I have 1 outlet for my freezer which is Im guessing 220 and a standard 2outlet. Laundry room right next to the garage has the dryer outlet.

I just dont want to break the bank because I rent the house. If im looking at $800 to drop in an outlet Ill change my compressor plans lol.

 

[HommerSimpson]

You need two open slots in breaker panal one on top of the other.. as they alternate the 110 threw the buss bar... it is not very hard to do yourself...I wired my whole garage and it passed inspection.... several 220's to as i had a lift and compressor and a/c

 

[Facime]

It shouldnt be anywhere near $800 lol, unless you need the concrete slab torn up to lay cable or something crazy.

It might depend on the age of the house and how its currently wired. If the house isnt too old you should indeed have a 120/240 supply. If not
a 240v compressor motor should be able to run on a 220v circuit.

A 220 circuit just uses 2 hots a common and a ground instead of one hot. Its highly likely you have 4 wire circuits in the garage. It should just be as simple as getting the right socket for the compressor and replacing one of your outlets with a 220/240 plug. Like I said you just want to be sure that you are putting it on a circuit that can handle it.


EDit: as for box wiring I dont know, I am too chicken to touch it and always call my electrician for that, lol

 

[iwannadie]

Im not in a spot to cannibalize my only standard outlet in the garage though lol. My only option is to wire a new outlet.

The house is new, less than 5 years old. Guess Ill jut give a shop a call and see what they have to say.

 

[HommerSimpson]

If you do it yourself.. and if you OWN the home you can do it yourself..
You are looking around 100 bucks in material.. TOPS and thats buying a gfi 220 breaker...

now the absolute easyest would be to wire in another plug off dryer...

 

[Facime]

well then yeah, you are gonna have to run a new circuit. If getting to the attic space isnt too hard it shouldnt be too bad. I would guess if you dont have too far of a run that you may be looking at under $200. Damn Electricians aint cheap unfortunately.

 

[j3pz]

ya id say around $200. you could come off of the drier circuit but i wouldnt recommend it (depending on amperage of the circuit and compressor); if you do go this route, you may not be able to run both at the same time

 

[iwannadie]

ya id say around $200. you could come off of the drier circuit but i wouldnt recommend it (depending on amperage of the circuit and compressor); if you do go this route, you may not be able to run both at the same time

Ya thats something I want to avoid. If it turns out to be $200 Ill just pay it ha.