Questions about how to feed a 110/220v single phase motor via a 3 phase 220v outlet

[Bo Chen]

In my property, my basement/workshop has 2 outlets are 220v 3-phase which are originally(previous owner) powered a dryer and a range. It's my workshop right now, I plan to use those two outlets to power my woodworking power tools, like a 17" grizzly 2hp bandsaw. My question will be is that practical? If yes, what's the best way to do that? Is there any converter power line to buy or I have to make myself a customized one?

If someone can point me to a tutorial or similar, that would be a great help. Thanks and happy woodworking!

[Jesse Busenitz]

Are you sure it's 3 phs??? Did the PO run a convertor or was it actually 3 phs from the power co.? It doesn't sound like this is a commercial property and that must of been a huge dryer and range to run 3 phs? Post a pic of your breaker and that will tell us a bit.

[Malcolm McLeod]

Bo,
Where are you located? Is this a home workshop? (If in the US and your home, you probably DO NOT have 3-phase power.)

3-phase will have at least 4 conductors, and possibly 5. (L1,L2,L3,Gnd = 4; or L1,L2,L3,Neutral,Gnd = 5).

Look at the breaker panel feeding your outlets. If CB spans 2 slots, it is probably 220V/1-phase.

[Bo Chen]

Are you sure it's 3 phs??? Did the PO run a convertor or was it actually 3 phs from the power co.? It doesn't sound like this is a commercial property and that must of been a huge dryer and range to run 3 phs? Post a pic of your breaker and that will tell us a bit.

Thanks for the quick reply. I will post a picture tonite. It is NOT a commercial property. It's a residential single family house. I'm guessing the electric range and dryer is a 3-phase only because the outlet is looks like this.
41LNG0UCSFL._AC_UL320_SR270,320_.jpg

I will post a picture of my outlet and breaker on my power panel later. Thanks!

[Rod Sheridan]

Thanks for the quick reply. I will post a picture tonite. It is NOT a commercial property. It's a residential single family house. I'm guessing the electric range and dryer is a 3-phase only because the outlet is looks like this.
41LNG0UCSFL._AC_UL320_SR270,320_.jpg

I will post a picture of my outlet and breaker on my power panel later. Thanks!

Hi, that's a single phase receptacle, which makes sense as homes are single phase with extremely few exceptions.

If the receptacle is conveniently located simply put a new cord cap on your tool to fit the receptacle. The receptacle has 240 and 120 volts available as it has a neutral...........Regards, Rod.

[David L Morse]

That looks like a NEMA 14-30 which is a single phase 240V 30A receptacle.

[Bo Chen]

Bo,
Where are you located? Is this a home workshop? (If in the US and your home, you probably DO NOT have 3-phase power.)

3-phase will have at least 4 conductors, and possibly 5. (L1,L2,L3,Gnd = 4; or L1,L2,L3,Neutral,Gnd = 5).

Look at the breaker panel feeding your outlets. If CB spans 2 slots, it is probably 220V/1-phase.

Thanks for the reply. I'm located in WI, USA. It is a residential house. I do agree with you, in my memory the CB only spans 2 slots. I will double check it.

[Mike Heidrick]

Do you own and know how to use a multimeter?

[Mike Henderson]

You have standard single phase residential service (to a 99.99% probability). If your tools are single phase (which is likely) you can just get a plug that matches the outlet and operate them at 240 volts.

Mike

[Anthony Whitesell]

That looks like a NEMA 14-30 which is a single phase 240V 30A receptacle.

If you look closely between the 12:00 and 3:00 contacts, you can see the type of plug. I can just read 'NEMA' but not the rest.

[David L Morse]

If you look closely between the 12:00 and 3:00 contacts, you can see the type of plug. I can just read 'NEMA' but not the rest.

No need to read it, just match the picture:

receptacles.jpg

[Rollie Meyers]

That looks like a NEMA 14-30 which is a single phase 240V 30A receptacle.

It's actually rated 125/250 volts, for 120/240V, they are dual voltage devices.

[Julie Moriarty]

In my property, my basement/workshop has 2 outlets are 220v 3-phase which are originally(previous owner) powered a dryer and a range. It's my workshop right now, I plan to use those two outlets to power my woodworking power tools, like a 17" grizzly 2hp bandsaw. My question will be is that practical? If yes, what's the best way to do that? Is there any converter power line to buy or I have to make myself a customized one?

If someone can point me to a tutorial or similar, that would be a great help. Thanks and happy woodworking!

Since you now know you have a single phase system (all but the largest homes do), will you need help wiring your shop for the tools you plan to put in it?

[Mike Heidrick]

Sounds like he is using the two outlets he already has. Did he say he was rewiring the shop?

[Brad Adams]

Best recommendation would be to hire an electrician. If you don't know what the plug in is, the wiring should be left to a professional.