A 15Amp 220V plug in a 20Amp 220V Outlet? [Archive] - Sawmill Creek Woodworking Community

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Randy Heinemann

03-27-2021, 1:11 PM

I now have a 20 Amp 220V circuit/single wall outlet in which I plug my 220V jointer (picture of outlet attached). Since the jointer needs a 20 Amp circuit I used a 20 amp plug (picture of plug attached).

I am now considering new lathe which has a 220V 2 HP motor. Based on the lathe specs, it only needs a 15 Amp circuit and comes equipped with a power cord and a 15 Amp (6-15P 230V) plug.

Two questions -

1. Will the 6-15P plug work directly in the existing wall outlet? From research I found that this plug has two in-line prongs compared to the 2 prongs perpendicular to each other on the 20 Amp plug, but I also see that the outlet seems to have available slots for either the 20 amp plug I currently use or a 15 amp plug.,

2. Is it OK to use a machine/cord/plug that is designed for a 15 amp circuit in this outlet? Since the two machines are a jointer and lathe, I will obviously never be needing them both at the same time and usually unplug them when not in use anyway.

Wes Grass

03-27-2021, 1:27 PM

I found a spec sheet that shows a 6-20R is compatible with a 6-15P as well.

Paul F Franklin

03-27-2021, 1:30 PM

Yes and yes.

Randy Heinemann

03-28-2021, 1:16 AM

Thanks. I thought so but, not being an electrician, I have some gaps in knowledge.

Dave Mills

03-28-2021, 9:27 AM

Leviton makes a duplex 220V 20A receptacle, if it is of any use for the two machines

https://smile.amazon.com/Leviton-5822-I-Straight-Single-Receptacle/dp/B000U39UY4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Leviton+5822&qid=1616937747&sr=8-1

Jim Becker

03-28-2021, 9:56 AM

Just put a 20 amp plug on the cord that matches the 20 amp receptacle and you'll be fine. You can run a machine that requires less current on a higher current circuit no problem. (but not the other way around)

Randy Heinemann

03-29-2021, 4:15 PM

Made a decision to buy the Powermatic 3520C lathe which requires I supply a cord and plug. Since it needs a 20 amp circuit and outlet (which I already have), is it correct that 12-3 cord will work for a 10' length power cord and a NEMA 6-20p (20 amp) plug will work?

Rod Sheridan

03-29-2021, 6:30 PM

Randy Heinemann

03-29-2021, 7:05 PM

Thanks for the verification.

Jim Barkelew

03-31-2021, 10:19 PM

I used twist lock plugs for all my 220v machines. I like the security and positive plug-in. All the plugs are 48 in above the floor, no bending over to plug something in. I also bought a 50 ft heavy duty extension chord and cut it up to rewire the power chords. It was the cheapest way to put 12 ft chords on everything. Also I added hooks below the outlets to hang the plug when it's unplugged.