220V Extension Cord from Woodcentral
Most of us with small shops can benefit from the flexibility of extension cords, but is a 220V cord kosher? This thread asked that very question. Woodworker's Journal strongly recommends using caution when working with electricity and, when in doubt, consulting a professional in your area. Editor
"I'm toying with the idea of moving my 2 HP variable speed lathe to the center of my shop. Is there such a thing as a 220 extension cord? If so, is that sort of a no-no? Thanks!" Jennifer
"I've never seen a pre-made 220V extension cord, but they're easy to make." Steve
"Most of Europe uses 220 and I'm sure they have extension cords. If you have a load that at 110 needs a 30 amp circuit, that same load at 220 would only draw 15 amps. Therefore, all being equal, you could use a lighter gauge wire safely. People always think that by going 220 you need a HUGE wire when many times it's the opposite." Chad
"I just went through this since I upgraded to a JET 1642-2VS. I didn't have a 220v outlet on that side of the shop and the breaker box is almost full. As a temporary measure until I add a new circuit, I went to the Borg and bought the makings for a 220 extension cord of 25 foot length. The parts, two L6-20 males, an L6-20 female, and 25 feet of 10/2 with ground cost me about $60. It took all of half an hour to get up and running- most of which was finding my wire strippers. It works just fine, but I will be adding a permanent circuit so I don't have an extension cord draped across the shop." Dave
"220 extension cords are very common and people may testify to using them for years with no problems. However, extension cords, as a rule are more dangerous so it would be far better (and probably cheaper) to run a new dedicated circuit." John
"I use a 220v extension cord to connect my jointer and thickness planer when I use them. The extension cord to me is no different than putting longer cords on the machines to allow for the eclectic arrangement of everything in my shop. Check the amps rating on the motor; I expect it will be around 7 amps. A 12 gauge wire will carry 20 amps so there will be plenty of capacity for powering your lathe." Dave
"With a 2 HP lathe, you can get by with 14/3 stranded without a problem. If you wanted a little overkill, you could use 12/3 stranded. (14/3 and 12/3 stranded is 3-conductor including the ground). Cable rated as SO will have the heavy jacket that you want. SOW will also be water resistant, and SJOW will be about bulletproof.
Some home centers sell heavy cords by the foot. Otherwise, a very simple and cheap way of making a cord is to buy a heavy 120 volt extension cord and cut off the ends. Then all you need is to add your own ends for 240 volt use. They don't need to be the same on both ends. On the male end, match what you have at the outlet. On the other end, I would suggest making it a twist-lock so it does not come unplugged unexpectedly. A NEMA L6-15 or L6-20 would be your choices for the twist-lock ends. There is not much you can screw up in putting your cord caps on the cord. The only thing you can do wrong is reverse the ground wire with one of the hots." Rick
After a wealth of good information, just a smattering of which I have reported, the thread took a surprising turn, showing one of the most valuable added benefits of the online community; personal connections. Read the next two entries and you will see what I mean. Editor
"Jen, you know there is a guy NE of Indy who would come over and take care of your electrical problems if you would just ask him. And he won't burden you with a 30 amp wire to send 6 amps through over a distance of 15 feet. His fee is one beer per day and a little turning chat." Al
"Al, you're on! It's probably not going to be this week, But I may get to it next week? I start back to work today. I'll drop you a note. Thank you Al!" -- Jennifer