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Thread: A 15Amp 220V plug in a 20Amp 220V Outlet?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
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    A 15Amp 220V plug in a 20Amp 220V Outlet?

    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.
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  2. #2
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    Feb 2009
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    Cedar Park, TX - Boulder Creek, CA
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    839
    I found a spec sheet that shows a 6-20R is compatible with a 6-15P as well.

  3. #3
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    Jul 2007
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    NE OH
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    Yes and yes.
    --I had my patience tested. I'm negative--

  4. #4
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    Thanks. I thought so but, not being an electrician, I have some gaps in knowledge.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
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    El Dorado Hills, CA, USA
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    208
    Leviton makes a duplex 220V 20A receptacle, if it is of any use for the two machines

    https://smile.amazon.com/Leviton-582...6937747&sr=8-1

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    SE PA - Central Bucks County
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    65,859
    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)
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Northern Illinois
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    950
    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 [COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87)]NEMA 6-20p (20 amp) plug will work?[/COLOR]

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto Ontario
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    11,274
    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Heinemann View Post
    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 [COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87)]NEMA 6-20p (20 amp) plug will work?[/COLOR]
    Hi Randy, yes that’s correct
    Last edited by Jim Becker; 03-29-2021 at 7:21 PM. Reason: fixxed quote tagging

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
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    Northern Illinois
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    Thanks for the verification.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    N. Central Texas
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    116
    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.

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