On Sun, 09 Jan 2005 10:56:25 GMT, Bert wrote:

I would like to plug a 220V welder into my dryer outlet, since that is
the only 220V outlet I have. But the house I'm renting is old enough
that the dryer outlet is a hot-hot-neutral outlet with no separate
ground. Would there be any problem (either in terms of the electrical
code or in terms of risk to myself or the equipment or the house) with
using the neutral wire as the grounding wire for the welder? Of
course, I'll need a plug adaptor -- I thought I'd use a 3-wire dryer
cord and connect the pigtails to an outlet matching the welder plug.

Thanks for any advice.

Bert



Bert,

Don't do it lad. The dryer outlet is usually only rated for 20 amps.
For a 220v welder you'll likely need 50 amps.

As far as the wiring part goes, yes it would work, but the risk of
overload is much too great.

I had a similar problem in my house. I ended up getting a sub-panel
installed, with the appropriate sized wiring and breakers. If your
house panel and line in from the pole isn't rated for at least 100
amps, you would be taking quite a chance.

It may end up costing you a bit of money, but the cost is peanuts
compared to having a fire.


Hope this helps,

Intrepid