Wire gauge for 240v outlet?

[Andre in Quebec]

I want to ad a regular 240v/15amps outlet in my house and I'm wondering what wire gauge should I use for that.

thanks

andre

[Gene45]

14/3 for a "regular" length of run.

[mr_handy]

Actually 14/2 will be all you need.

No need for a neutral wire unless you have a 120/240V combo outlet.

I guess the real answer to the specific question you asked is:

14 gauge.

[Jim in Burlington]

That is a small load for 230 volt circuit.

[stevem]

14-2 or 14-3 depending on if you need the neutral for a 120 split say for a work lamp

remember that 15 amp at 220 is roughly equivalent to 30 amp at 110 power wise

if its a long run, go up to 12 ga

[Andre in Quebec]

Thanks guys

Actually the outlet will be located at about 15 feet from the main panel,it's for a portable dust collector that I would sometimes use in that area.No need for a 120v lamp so I guess 14/2 is ok.

I'm highly tempted here with a sub-question:would it be ok,I mean up to code,if I'd use some 12 guage wire coupled to a 15amps outlet?
I can be wrong,but I think that this wouldn't work up to code since I would have to match my 12 guage wire with a 20amps breaker but the outlet is rated at 15amps.....sounds a bit confusing no?

andre

[J.P. Rap]

Thanks guys

Actually the outlet will be located at about 15 feet from the main panel,it's for a portable dust collector that I would sometimes use in that area.No need for a 120v lamp so I guess 14/2 is ok.

I'm highly tempted here with a sub-question:would it be ok,I mean up to code,if I'd use some 12 guage wire coupled to a 15amps outlet?
I can be wrong,but I think that this wouldn't work up to code since I would have to match my 12 guage wire with a 20amps breaker but the outlet is rated at 15amps.....sounds a bit confusing no?

andre

Put in a 15 amp breaker. If you decide you need 20 amps in the future, the wire is already there just replace the breaker and the outlet.
If you use 14/2 with a white and black, be sure to permanently mark the white either black or red to indicate it's hot.

[Todd]

If you have #12 use it and install a 20A breaker and use a T-slot receptacle.

[DMartin]

I would run 12 gauge, this way your not limited to 15 amps, if you ever decide to go with a 20 amp breaker.

Dan

[darius]

I'm highly tempted here with a sub-question:would it be ok,I mean up to code,if I'd use some 12 guage wire coupled to a 15amps outlet?
I can be wrong,but I think that this wouldn't work up to code since I would have to match my 12 guage wire with a 20amps breaker but the outlet is rated at 15amps.....sounds a bit confusing no?

andre

Not confusing at all. That's what I have. 15 amp breakers, 15 amp receptacles, 12awg wire between them. Inspected and approved.

Btw. for this type of work you do need a permit and inspection. The cost will be around $72.

[Bill Simpson]

I would run 12 gauge, this way your not limited to 15 amps, if you ever decide to go with a 20 amp breaker.

Dan

Me Too. A few feet, you say? Then the cost differential is minimal, so go strong or stay home... Who knows what the future holds but if you go minimal then either minimal can be used or replacement is required and the savings is exausted in the upgrade.

I never use 14 anymore, except for light fixtures, my son the master electrician fusses at me too much, says you have limited the use of the curcuit, and will pay later. As I have become the ladder holder, anymore, I does what he says. He says "You know your wood, I know my Juice." (Never argue with free labor)

[Andre in Quebec]

Sub-question very well answered thank you again.
A 12 gauge wire it will be.

andre