Adding Additional 220V Outlet

Here goes..

This question seems to be asked quite a bit on the interwebs; actually spent some time talking to my electrician uncle about it as well. Just trying to track down some solid input.

The basics:

Currently have a single (1) 220V -- 50 Amp -- outlet in my shop.

Just picked up a 220V compressor and a plasma cutter..

At the moment, I'm charging the compressor, then unplugging it and running the plasma. Not a huge inconvenience, but somewhat of a pain to have to plug/unplug.

My question is this:

What would be the safest/meet code requirement to add an additional outlet?

Calculate amperage draw from plasma/compressor and wire another outlet in parallel to the existing one?

Compressor - 15 Amp draw/2.7 HP Motor

Plasma - 40 Amp (Max) it's a variable draw

Tap in the breaker panel, add another 50A breaker and run another outlet?

Build a "Y" adapter?

Thanks!

Jake

 

I thought about doing this as well, but one for my dryer, and another for whatever. From just speaking with a few electrically knowledged people, they said splitting the feed is ok, as long as it's in a box, and the two outlets don't run at the same time if they pull more amps than what the line is rated for. I also thought about a 3 way switch to go back n forth between outlets, but was told this woulod be more of a pain than a gain. So, splitting the feed between two outlets is perfectly acceptable, as long as it's in an eletrical box.

 

To be safe, add another 50 amp breaker if you have the room in the box, it will allow piece of mind, the compressor and all the other shiza can run off the original breaker, the Plasma then has its own dedicated circuit, best way IMHO...

I just did something similar here at the Farm, it prevents the occasional annoying breaker pop, I would rather overdo the circuits, everything runs cooler and safer...

 

I just got the approval.. And yes - I'm going to add another dedicated outlet.

Calculated my amperage draw on the compressor/plasma - at max draw I'd be right on the edge of that single 50A breaker's capacity. Not really worth it in my opinion.

Think I'm going to tap into the breaker box; add another 50A 220V Double Pole, run some surface conduit and an additional outlet.

 

The copper costs between a 30 and 50 amp run cam be considerable, depends on how big your shop is. I ran a 30a dedicated for my compressor and a 50a for welder/plasma. About $150 difference between the 2. I had about 80 feet between box and outlet though.

 

This ^

If you anticipate having a need for the additional amperage, then disregard.

 

Added a dedicated 50A circuit..

Pretty insane; the copper wiring was all behind a locked glass case!

Going to change my color coding on my ground from white to green, thinking about inverting the outlet as well. Weird, all of my welder plugs are upside down.

 

You've got some skills Jake!

 

Haha well you helped for sure..

Going to head over in a little bit.. should probably get some paint on those sliders.

 

You've got plenty of time. Throw some paint on my skid plate if you have enough time!