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220 Volt Electrical Circuit for an Air Compressor

I read that 20 amp 240v outlets do not have a natural wire both are hot. Is this true and do I need a double pole 20 Amp 240v breaker for the 10-2 wire?


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220 Volt Electrical Circuit for an Air Compressor
Background: Dan, a Homeowner from Avondale, PA
[ad#block]Question: I have a Jun Air 12-20 compressor rated 198-242V – 2.85 amps. There are two motors on this compressor. The plug is a 1 1/8 inch diameter 20 amp 240V style.

I ran 10-2 for wire and I want to put in a breaker just for this compressor.

My question is I read that 20 amp 240v outlets do not have a natural wire both are hot. Is this true and do I need a double pole 20 Amp 240v breaker for the 10-2 wire?

Additional Comments: nice!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Dan. There is no neutral wire required for 240 volt air compressor motors. The circuit breaker will need to be 2-pole 240 volt sized according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

220 Volt Wiring Diagram

Circuit Breakers
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical


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Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
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NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
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The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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