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Default Newbie Electrical Question

In another thread, I was asking about heating a crawlspace in my
cottage. Here is a different, follow-up question.

The previous owner (who lived there year round) had a heater in the
crawlspace. The heater doesn't work (and had not thermostat etc
anyway), but the plug he used was usual to me. I must confess that I
am clueless about this stuff, but it looks like this
http://doityourself.com/store/4170171.htm . The place is wire at 120 V
only, and the recepticle is for thinner prongs than the big 220 plugs.
Can anyone tell me what this outlet is? And is it materially different
than a regular outlet (i.e., if I was going to put a heater, is that a
better outlet that a "normal" outlet)? Finally, does anyone know where
I would buy a heater which would fit such an outlet.

Thanks,

Gideon

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Duane Bozarth
 
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Default Newbie Electrical Question

wrote:

In another thread, I was asking about heating a crawlspace in my
cottage. Here is a different, follow-up question.

The previous owner (who lived there year round) had a heater in the
crawlspace. The heater doesn't work (and had not thermostat etc
anyway), but the plug he used was usual to me. I must confess that I
am clueless about this stuff, but it looks like this
http://doityourself.com/store/4170171.htm . The place is wire at 120 V
only, and the recepticle is for thinner prongs than the big 220 plugs.
Can anyone tell me what this outlet is? And is it materially different
than a regular outlet (i.e., if I was going to put a heater, is that a
better outlet that a "normal" outlet)? Finally, does anyone know where
I would buy a heater which would fit such an outlet.


That's just a 15A/220V outlet. The design is intended to prevent using
a 110V appliance or a 220V appliance needing more than 15A service.

As for finding something using that plug style, it would need to be a
220V/15A rated device.

Would be good to know what the service breaker for the circuit is and
what the wiring is before going too far. If it is really a 15A service,
you'll not want to get something larger than that and change its plug to
match, for example.
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RBM
 
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Default Newbie Electrical Question

As it says in the link, it is a 15 amp 240 volt outlet. If it is in fact
connected to a 15 amp 240 volt circuit, you'll need a heater to match.
Places like www.grainger.com will sell such items. You can also have an
electrician convert the line and outlet to 15 amp 120 volt and use a garden
variety heater



wrote in message
oups.com...
In another thread, I was asking about heating a crawlspace in my
cottage. Here is a different, follow-up question.

The previous owner (who lived there year round) had a heater in the
crawlspace. The heater doesn't work (and had not thermostat etc
anyway), but the plug he used was usual to me. I must confess that I
am clueless about this stuff, but it looks like this
http://doityourself.com/store/4170171.htm . The place is wire at 120 V
only, and the recepticle is for thinner prongs than the big 220 plugs.
Can anyone tell me what this outlet is? And is it materially different
than a regular outlet (i.e., if I was going to put a heater, is that a
better outlet that a "normal" outlet)? Finally, does anyone know where
I would buy a heater which would fit such an outlet.

Thanks,

Gideon



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Doug Miller
 
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Default Newbie Electrical Question

In article .com, wrote:
In another thread, I was asking about heating a crawlspace in my
cottage. Here is a different, follow-up question.

The previous owner (who lived there year round) had a heater in the
crawlspace. The heater doesn't work (and had not thermostat etc
anyway), but the plug he used was usual to me. I must confess that I
am clueless about this stuff, but it looks like this
http://doityourself.com/store/4170171.htm . The place is wire at 120 V
only,


Obviously not -- that's a 220V receptacle.

and the recepticle is for thinner prongs than the big 220 plugs.


That's because it's for lower-current devices than the appliances that use
"the big 220 plugs" such as ranges and dryers.

Can anyone tell me what this outlet is?


That web site tells you *exactly* what that outlet is: a 15A 220V receptacle.

And is it materially different
than a regular outlet (i.e., if I was going to put a heater, is that a
better outlet that a "normal" outlet)?


It's a 220V outlet. Not "better" or "worse". Just 220V. Don't attempt to plug
a 120V device into it, and don't even *think* about replacing it with a 120V
receptacle so you can -- that's just *begging* for an electrical fire.

Finally, does anyone know where
I would buy a heater which would fit such an outlet.


Any place that sells 220V heaters...

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.


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Don Young
 
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Default Newbie Electrical Question

Since you say that the place is wired for 120V only and that is a 240V
outlet, it seems possible that the previous owner used a 240V heater on 120V
to heat the crawlspace. This would give one-fourth of the rated wattage
which could be quite suitable for the purpose.
Don Young
wrote in message
oups.com...
In another thread, I was asking about heating a crawlspace in my
cottage. Here is a different, follow-up question.

The previous owner (who lived there year round) had a heater in the
crawlspace. The heater doesn't work (and had not thermostat etc
anyway), but the plug he used was usual to me. I must confess that I
am clueless about this stuff, but it looks like this
http://doityourself.com/store/4170171.htm . The place is wire at 120 V
only, and the recepticle is for thinner prongs than the big 220 plugs.
Can anyone tell me what this outlet is? And is it materially different
than a regular outlet (i.e., if I was going to put a heater, is that a
better outlet that a "normal" outlet)? Finally, does anyone know where
I would buy a heater which would fit such an outlet.

Thanks,

Gideon



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Posted to alt.home.repair
 
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Default Newbie Electrical Question

Grainger does sell such and item, but if you are not a contractor or
a business and can price it solidly, ie 3 forms of business ID, they
will send you packing. As will most supply houses. Start where you
will end up, and call a pro..


RBM (remove this) wrote:
As it says in the link, it is a 15 amp 240 volt outlet. If it is in fact
connected to a 15 amp 240 volt circuit, you'll need a heater to match.
Places like www.grainger.com will sell such items. You can also have an
electrician convert the line and outlet to 15 amp 120 volt and use a garden
variety heater



wrote in message
oups.com...
In another thread, I was asking about heating a crawlspace in my
cottage. Here is a different, follow-up question.

The previous owner (who lived there year round) had a heater in the
crawlspace. The heater doesn't work (and had not thermostat etc
anyway), but the plug he used was usual to me. I must confess that I
am clueless about this stuff, but it looks like this
http://doityourself.com/store/4170171.htm . The place is wire at 120 V
only, and the recepticle is for thinner prongs than the big 220 plugs.
Can anyone tell me what this outlet is? And is it materially different
than a regular outlet (i.e., if I was going to put a heater, is that a
better outlet that a "normal" outlet)? Finally, does anyone know where
I would buy a heater which would fit such an outlet.

Thanks,

Gideon


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ChrisGW
 
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Default Newbie Electrical Question

wrote:
In another thread, I was asking about heating a crawlspace in my
cottage. Here is a different, follow-up question.

The previous owner (who lived there year round) had a heater in the
crawlspace. The heater doesn't work (and had not thermostat etc
anyway), but the plug he used was usual to me. I must confess that I
am clueless about this stuff, but it looks like this
http://doityourself.com/store/4170171.htm . The place is wire at 120 V
only, and the recepticle is for thinner prongs than the big 220 plugs.
Can anyone tell me what this outlet is? And is it materially different
than a regular outlet (i.e., if I was going to put a heater, is that a
better outlet that a "normal" outlet)? Finally, does anyone know where
I would buy a heater which would fit such an outlet.

Thanks,

Gideon

The picture that you showed is what it says. 220v 15amp. Check both sides of the
outlet with a meter. See if you are putting out 120 on both sides. Are you sure
that the pic you posted is just like what you have. There is a 120v 30amp
outlet. I myself have never seen one in a house, but some Motor Homes have
these. Here is a link
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/r...ower-cords.htm Notice the
difference in the prong position.

If you are unsure about things get a pro in to do the job right.

ChrisGw

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Default Newbie Electrical Question


Don Young wrote:
Since you say that the place is wired for 120V only and that is a 240V
outlet, it seems possible that the previous owner used a 240V heater on 120V
to heat the crawlspace. This would give one-fourth of the rated wattage
which could be quite suitable for the purpose.


Thanks, Don. I am completely clueless, but my home inspector clearly
told me I was only wired for 120. I might be mistaken as to the actual
outlet used, but it sure looks like that!

I think I may take a combination of the groups' advice and just hire an
electician to instal a well pump heater.

Thanks again,

Gideon

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SMS
 
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Default Newbie Electrical Question

wrote:
Grainger does sell such and item, but if you are not a contractor or
a business and can price it solidly, ie 3 forms of business ID, they
will send you packing. As will most supply houses. Start where you
will end up, and call a pro..


McMaster-Carr is happy to sell to anyone, I've ordered from them many times.

http://www.mcmaster.com/

Search for 3688K72. Multi-Mount Forced-Air Heater. Even shows a picture
of the plug! States that it works with 208V as well, with reduced output.

With heaters, they can operate at lower voltages with reduced output.
However not all motors will work down to 120V, on the forced air models.


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Default Newbie Electrical Question

Good call on Mcmaster, they will have a min order though, I belive,
don't hold me to it. but on this ytpe of item it should easily make
the $25 min, if indeed they still have one in place. Still, as another
post said, if you at all unsure about anything, get the help of a
professional, let them be liable and take the risk. Electricty is no
joke, LOL. I only say that because I used to ork for WWG, and have had
to deal with some really crazy things from do it yourselfers. Like the
time I had a person (homeowner) call me and ask if I might be able to
sell them some gloves, I said "no problem, just come on down",
thinking I would be helping the guy out and doing him a favor if it was
a glove that he couldn't get from a local retailer. However, when he
got to the branch we learned that he was attempting to make some
changes to the "electrical box" in his home, and wanted gloves that
would protect him from the current when he grabbed onto it... I don't
think so, LOL. There is such a product, as in a Linesman's Glove, but
that is not something to be messing with. And we had to politely
decline the sale..I have a million of them. But it sounds like you
have a good grip on your situation. The people here can be helpfull,
still, please be carefull.

JMS


SMS wrote:
wrote:
Grainger does sell such and item, but if you are not a contractor or
a business and can price it solidly, ie 3 forms of business ID, they
will send you packing. As will most supply houses. Start where you
will end up, and call a pro..


McMaster-Carr is happy to sell to anyone, I've ordered from them many times.

http://www.mcmaster.com/

Search for 3688K72. Multi-Mount Forced-Air Heater. Even shows a picture
of the plug! States that it works with 208V as well, with reduced output.

With heaters, they can operate at lower voltages with reduced output.
However not all motors will work down to 120V, on the forced air models.


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Default Newbie Electrical Question

You can get around that B2B stuff, just tell them you will bring it
next time, or just give them any business card, and they will usually
let you fly with pretty much anything you want. If that doesnt work,
just demand to speak to the manager, who will want nothing to do with
you and will have no idea what you are looking for anyways as the
counter\branch people (including managers) have very little product
knowledge or training, and will give you exactly what you want just to
get rid of you, lol.

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