220V 20A Plug 3 wire --> 220V 4 wire

[xlr8shn]

PROBLEM:
Need to connect a 220V 20A Air Compressor to my 220V (4 wire) Dryer outlet...


BACKGROUND:
I have purchased:
- 4 wire (red/black/white/green), 220V dryer cord (NEMA 14-30)
- 3 wire, 200V 20A plug (NEMA 6-20 T-Slot)


NEMA 6-20 T-Slot


NEMA 14-30


QUESTION:
From what I have read around the net, I connect red and black wires to NEMA 6-20 T-Slot plug (and green to ground, don't use white)... Does it matter whether the black or the red wire are connected to the "T" part of the NEMA 6-20 T-Slot plug?

Thanks

[ElectricNut]

So basically you're making a "cheater cord" to fit into your existing dryer outlet, correct? It doesn't matter which hot terminals the red or black wires are connected to as long as the green wire goes to ground. Be sure to isolate the neutral at your cheater connection by cutting it off, taping it, whatever. Make sure that the terminals on your 20A plug are marked to accept 10 gauge stranded copper, or however your splicing the dryer cord into your 20A device be sure to use approved connections.

[xlr8shn]

Exactly. A four foot cheater/patch cord so I can plug the air compressor into the dryer's electrical outlet.

THANKS!

[Homer]

Originally Posted by xlr8shn

Exactly. A four foot cheater/patch cord so I can plug the air compressor into the dryer's electrical outlet.

By constructing such a device, you would be breaking a multitude of codes.

While this may not be the worst thing in the world to do, it is definitely illegal.

As members of this site we cannot advise others to break the codes.

If there is ever a fire or electrocution then you will be liable. I would say that any person giving illegal advice would share the liability for knowingly giving noncompliant advice.



Homer

[ElectricNut]

Originally Posted by Homer

I would say that any person giving illegal advice would share the liability for knowingly giving noncompliant advice.



Homer

What's the clear and easy-to-understand legal disclaimer for anyway? Look, he asked which wires go where. Better to make sure he constructs his illegal device the proper way than to go guessing. He's gonna make it anyway most likely, so why not make sure he at least connects the proper wires to the proper spot? But let's make EVERYONE happy here...the correct way would be to run the proper dedicated circuit back to the panel. Everyone should understand, that splicing together a dryer cord to a air compressor is not advisable. However, IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS ANYWAY, PLEASE BE SURE YOU HOOK THE WIRES UP CORRECTLY.

[Homer]

Originally Posted by ElectricNut

What's the clear and easy-to-understand legal disclaimer for anyway?

This is a weasel clause to protect the site administrators and members. This disclaimer is both wise and necessary. It is not a license to give noncompliant advice.

There is a difference between mistakenly doing the wrong thing and knowingly doing the wrong thing.

Homer

[mdshunk]

Originally Posted by ElectricNut

However, IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS ANYWAY, PLEASE BE SURE YOU HOOK THE WIRES UP CORRECTLY.

And, since people are going to drink and drive anyhow, here's a few helpful tips on driving drunk that might help you avoid the cops...