I have a very thick 4 wire supply coming from my panel and a 50 amp breaker that went directly to my hot tub. I no longer have the hot tub. The wires are caped and the breaker is off. I want to use the existing 4 wire supply that is already ran and put a plug on the end to use for various tools, log splitter, skill saws, ect. Can this be done without changing everything? Thanks for your knowledge. Phil J.
Electrical – Changing a 4 wire supply to a 3 wire plug
electrical distribution
Related Solutions
The termination points are where the utility attaches their wires to your system. You need 3 termination points because most US residences have 240/120 split phase service which is provided on three wires: two hots plus a neutral. The ground is of course provided by you via ground rods or (my favorite) a Ufer Ground (concrete enclosed grounding conductor).
Here is a photo of an overhead service termination.
Click for larger view
In a 208Y/120 4 wire Wye system, you'll get 120 volts between either ungrounded (hot) conductor and the grounded (neutral) conductor. So if you're trying to connect a 120V appliance, all you need is one ungrounded (hot) conductor, one grounded (neutral) conductor, and one equipment grounding conductor.
The ungrounded (hot) conductor will connect to the brass colored screw terminal on devices (the small hole/blade), while the grounded (neutral) conductor will connect to the silver colored terminal (the larger hole/blade). The neutral conductor should never be connected to the equipment grounding conductor, or equipment grounding terminal on devices.
Notes:
Since it sounds like you're a bit over your head, you should probably contact a local licensed Electrician to finish the project and for any future electrical projects.
While you can solder connections in house wiring, it's not a common practice anymore. You'll also want to insure that you are using solder that is rated and labeled for the use, and that your solder joints are strong and insulated.
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Best Answer
Sure. You could use the existing feeder to supply a main lug panel, then install individual 20 ampere breakers in the panel. Use the 20 ampere branch circuits to supply receptacles, where you can connect your tools.
Check with your local building department, and/or a licensed Electrician, to flesh out all the details. You'll want to make sure the job is done properly, and up to current code.