Wiring a 220 outlet- can I use a 15 amp outlet with the 20 amp breaker? Or should I get a replacement 15 amp breaker

240vcircuit breakerreceptacle

I'm trying to wire an outlet for my lathe. The manufacturer recommends a 15 amp breaker. I am planning to run 10 gauge wire approximately 25' to the outlet where I can plug in my lathe. The motor is rated at 8 amps. I currently have an empty 20 amp breaker for 220 in my box. Here are a few pics of what I'm thinking of using.

The first is the plug for the lathe:

lathe controller and plug


The second is the motor specs of the lathe:

motor specs


Would the following 20 amp outlet work for this?

20A outlet

I've wired 110 but never 220. Also BTW it has a phase converter allowing it to run off 1 phase.

Best Answer

You may know that on 120V circuits, you are allowed to use 15A receptacles on a 20A circuit. This is a special exception that only applies to 15A receptacles only on 20A circuits.

The Code says nothing about voltage.. You can use exactly the same exception on a 240V 20A circuit. You are free to use 15A or 20A receptacles (NEMA 6-15 or 6-20).

If you use a 20A receptacle (NEMA 6-20), the 15A plug will fit in it just fine. They are keyed to do that. (Just the same way as 120V NEMA 5-20 sockets will accept the common NEMA 5-15 plugs.)

There is only one gotcha: if there is only one socket in the whole circuit, the socket size must match the breaker size. So if you use a NEMA 6-15 on your 20A circuit, make sure it's the usual twin-socket receptacle, don't use a one-eye.