DIY Network

Electrical: Electricity in the Workshop From "DIY Tools & Techniques" episode DIT-239

Electrical expert Doug Snapp offers a brief review of workshop electricity.

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B

• Electricity comes into a house through two legs, each 110 volts. (Together, 220 volts).

• There are two types of breakers (figure A); a two-pole breaker for 220 volts, and a single pole for 110 volts. On the handle of each breaker is a number that indicates the amperage rating.

• Power travels through electrical wires from the panel to the outlet (figure B). The standard outlet in most houses is a 20 amp duplex. This kind of outlet would be used for a residential size air compressor. The faceplate of each outlet is particular to the voltage amperage and phasing of the outlet.

• The outlet next to the air compressor outlet is a 220 volt, 30 amp outlet (used for clothes dryers and some shop equipment). It has a neutral and ground configuration.

• There are also twist-lock outlets and straight blade outlets. With twist lock outlets, you turn them after inserting the plug to keep the plug from coming out of the wall. Some outlets may have a red ring around them. That is a three-phase outlet. These are not found in residential homes, but may be found in a shop outside the home.

• Each outlet has a National Electrical Manufacturers Association number. The first two digits indicate the type of faceplate; the last two indicate the amperage for which the outlet is rated.

RESOURCES :

Massey Electric Company
Massey Electric Company
Knoxville, TN Website: www.masseyelectric.com

GUESTS :

Doug Snapp
Licensed Electrician
Massey Electric
Website: www.masseyelectric.com