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Number of outlets on 220V 30A breaker.

Posted on 6/15/21 at 9:23 am
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
1675 posts
Posted on 6/15/21 at 9:23 am
Last summer I had a subpanel put in for my garage and included a 220V/30A circuit, but only put in one outlet for my table saw. Since then, I've gotten a jointer and bandsaw that also run on 220V. I currently have a small extension cord I use to run those machines, but I'm having to plug everything in every time using the one outlet. I'm confident in my ability to add another outlet near the jointer and bandsaw without getting the electricians back out. But I'm not sure what code is on that. I've seen things where people state that by code, 220V/30A circuits can only have one outlet. I'm not really worried about overloading the circuit as the tools would never be run at the same time. This is just for making it easier to jump from machine to machine without rearranging extension cords. I'd like to stay up to code when it comes to selling the house in the future, etc.. Anyone familiar to confirm?
Posted by notsince98
KC, MO
Member since Oct 2012
18067 posts
Posted on 6/15/21 at 9:52 am to
it is a gray area. The safest choice is one outlet per circuit since anything requiring 240V is going to be a high powered device. NEC is not going to allow a situation where running them at the same time overloads the circuit. Sure, you might never do that but NEC doesn't care. NEC cares about what "could" happen and preventing that from causing problems/fires.
Posted by mdomingue
Lafayette, LA
Member since Nov 2010
30590 posts
Posted on 6/15/21 at 12:28 pm to
Technically, you can have branch circuits (multiple outlets) but you can't have multiple devices plugged in that exceed 80% of the rated current capacity.

quote:

NEC 210.23(B):

210.23 Permissible Loads, Multiple-Outlet Branch Circuits. In no case shall the load exceed the branch-circuit ampere rating. A branch circuit supplying two or more outlets or receptacles shall supply only the loads specified according to its size as specified in 210.23(A) through (D) and as summarized in 210.24 and Table 210.24.

...

(B) 30-Ampere Branch Circuits. A 30-ampere branch circuit shall be permitted to supply fixed lighting units with heavy-duty lampholders in other than a dwelling unit(s) or utilization equipment in any occupancy. A rating of any one cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch-circuit ampere rating.




If you want them plugged in all the time and want to meet code you need multiple circuits.
Posted by baldona
Florida
Member since Feb 2016
20512 posts
Posted on 6/15/21 at 12:54 pm to
Personally, I'd probably just rig it externally or rig it from a junction box externally and then when it comes time to sell/ home inspection just pull everything from the junction box going forward. I don't think a home inspector or anyone else is going to open your junction box to see what's going on.
Posted by Cracker
in a box
Member since Nov 2009
17735 posts
Posted on 6/15/21 at 1:38 pm to
Add circuits hard wire it to your sub
Posted by MikeBRLA
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2005
16478 posts
Posted on 6/16/21 at 6:16 am to
quote:

I'm not really worried about overloading the circuit as the tools would never be run at the same time.


Just because you don’t plan on running both outlets at the same time doesn’t mean the next guy who owns the house wouldn’t need/want to. This is the reason it’s against code to do what you are trying to do.
Posted by southern686
Narnia
Member since Nov 2015
888 posts
Posted on 6/16/21 at 8:35 am to
Run a BX type cable on exterior of wall from existing outlet to where you need another outlet and just add an outlet.
Easy to hold that style cable in place with single screw conduit clamps here and there.

If you ever sell and they complain, it is easy to remove, save, and re-use later if you ever need.
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