Outlet Connection for a 240 Volt Log Splitter
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How to Adapt a Dryer Circuit for a 240 Volt Log Splitter: Materials List and Instructions to use a dryer circuit to provide power for a 220 Volt Log Splitter. © By: Dave Rongey |
Make a Dryer Circuit Adapter for a 240 Volt Log Splitter
Electrical Question: I just ordered a log splitter with a 25 amp. 240 volt motor.
- It comes with a plug designed for use in a double 20 amp. outlet. (horizontal blades plus ground) Which I have for an air conditioner.
- It would be much easier if I could use my dryer outlet which is of course a double 30 amp outlet.
- It would be a shorter run to the outdoors.
- Can I simply make a heavy extension cord (10 gauge) with a female to fit the log splitter and a male to fit the clothes dryer outlet without causing problems.
- Also is there a way to add GFCI to the ext. cord.
Thanks, Ed.
This electrical wiring question came from: Ed, a Handyman from New Fairfield, CT
Additional Comments: Great!!!
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Ed.
How to Adapt a Dryer Circuit for a 240 Volt Log Splitter
Hi Ed – Great Question and Thanks for the Donation!Circuit Adapter for a 240 Volt Log Splitter
I’m wondering why the log splitter has a 25 amp motor but it has a 20 amp outlet?
Anyway – in a case like this I always have to revert back to the manufacturers design and specifications, so based on that and the possibility of using your dryer outlet lets look at an option. To use the dryer circuit and provide GFCI protection to the extension cord here would be one solution:
Material List
- 1 – piece of plywood about 12 inches wide and 24 inches long, 5/8 or 3/4 inch thick is best.
- 1 – 2 or 4 circuit Sub-panel – a 60 amp rating is fine.
- 1 – 20 amp/240 volt GFCI Circuit breaker (for 2 hots and 1 ground wire) the breaker must be the same brand as the sub-panel.
- 1 – 6 foot Dryer cord to match your existing dryer outlet, and a cord connector.
- 1 – 20 amp outlet for the log splitter cord , a metal box to mount the outlet and a cover for the outlet.
- 1 – offset nipple and two lock nuts (to attach the outlet box the the sub-panel.)
- 3 – 24 inch lengths of #12 copper wire: Black, Red and Green, or just buy two feet of 12/3 Romex – (best to get separate wires).
- 8 – Mounting screws – slightly less length then plywood thickness #10 or #12.
*Before you purchase the parts make sure everything will fit together and that it all make sense to you.
IMPORTANT
DO NOT PLUG IN THE DRYER CORD DURING ASSEMBLY!
* Wire lengths may need to be shortened as the assembly goes together for a nice neat job.
220 Volt Sub Panel Adapter Assembly
- Mount the sub-panel in the center of the plywood.
- Attach the dryer cord to the sub panel using the cord connector so that the wires will route to the appropriate lugs easily.
- The two dryer cord power lines would connect to the two panel lugs for the power in, and the ground wire to the ground bar accordingly, make sure of the connections.
- Attach the outlet box to the sub panel using the offset nipple and lock nuts. It may be best to locate the outlet box below the sub-panel. Screw the outlet box to the plywood.
- From the 12/3 Romex (or the separate #12 wires), remove the black, red and ground wire (or use the white wire with green tape to identify it as a ground – it’s safer this way, less bare wire that could come into contact with energized parts)
- Attach the #12 wires to the 20 amp outlet, keeping the wire assignments correct, green as ground, (hots can go either way – no problem with polarity)
- Install the 20 amp 240 volt GFCI Breaker into the sub panel, position so that it lines up with any panel cover openings, additional openings may be needed.
- Route the #12 into the sub-panel and attach the black and red to the GFCI breaker load terminals.
- The GFCI breaker will have a ground lead that will attach to the ground bar, and the green ground from the log splitter outlet will attach to ground terminal of the GFCI breaker.
- Double check all your connections.
- Mount the assembly parts and covers being careful not to pinch any wires.
NOTE
The sub-panel assembly can be temporarily attached to the wall near the dryer outlet, but away from moisture.
I hope this helps you.
More about 220 Volt Electrical Wiring
For more information about 220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram
Wiring 220 Volt Electrical Outlet
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how electrical outlets for the home are wired.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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