Can I add a 220 volt outlet?

Question

I bought a 50's era house, and there is no 220 volt outlet for my dryer. The house only has non-grounded (2 prong) 110 volt outlets.

Is it even possible to add a 220 outlet with this type of service?

Answer 1

It depends on the service into the house and how your fuse/breaker panel is setup.

Get an electrician for something like this.

Answer 2

220 Volt power supply has stricter codes. This isn't a good do-it-yourself project. But I can tell you how to find out if your supply will allow it. 220 is simply two different 120 volt supplies on separate phases. The double supply must have a special breaker which breaks both lines at one time. If you look in your breaker box, you should see at least one breaker, probably for the furnace(assuming you have an electric furnace), which has a connection between the two switches. Here is a picture of one: http://www.electricplanonline.com/images/MainBreaker.jpg If you have one of these, you will be allowed to have 220 in your house(presuming your wiring will allow enough amperage).

But because this job requires special guidelines including buying the right breaker, proper grounding and GPI installaition, and specifics for load handling, it's important that you allow an electrician do the job. That way your house is warranted againts any electrical fire started because of the new electrical installation.

If you don't have any of these types of breakers(likely, since your house is from the 50's), then you will have to have your power company run a line to your house, then have an electrician do the installation to meet state and city codes.

About the above method of using a transformer: 240/220V is what it is, because higher voltage results in the consumption of less amperage per appliance. If you convert to 220, your transformer may have to pull to much amperage for the house to handle, because the dryer is such a heavy load.

Now about your outlets being non-grounded. It would be a good idea to upgrade these outlets, because not grounding can result in electricution and can be deadly. Anything new that can be plugged into these kinds of outlets will most likely be housing grounded, but older electrical appliances will not be, which is dangerous.

Answer 3

I don't think it is possible without changing the whole wiring of the house, could prove expensive but if you're renovating why not? Make sure an electrician does it, I'm sure you'll get one to anyway its an extensive job - also if you are in the states then I thought they used a 110W plug anyway - So Your best bet is to buy converters/adapters for the outlet, available at an electrical outlet or DIY store - they covert two prong to three and allow you to use appliances which use a different voltage - (buy to specification).

Hope that helps. It must be very frustrating.

Answer 4

Absolutely you can. The old way of doing 220 is that it requires two hots and a neutral. Those are still present in a 2-wire house system. The neutral should be grounded at the box. That might be connected to a water pipe, outside to a ground rod. This allows us to tie in the two hots, neutral and ground and run a new wire from there to where you want your dryer to go.
Email if you need more help at [e-mail].

Answer 5

You need to determine if you have 100 amp service or not. 60 amp service will not work as the lines are already full usually. As long as there's enough space for a double breaker, then you should be all set. If you don't know what you're doing, call a licensed electrician. I'm pretty handy myself, but will not tackle an electrical issue that I'm not familiar with. People and property are threatened otherwise.

Answer 6

I believe that there is a transformer which converts 110 to 220

Answer 7

You should be able to run a new circuit from your panel box. A house that old may have a 60 amp service so you dont wont to overload it. If you do I suggest you upgrade to a 200 amp service. This will make your homeowners insurance alot cheaper too.

Answer 8

look outside at the main wires running from the utility pole to the weatherhead on the house...if there are 3 wires...NOT including a bare support cable..if there is one....you have 240v service...50's era is probably 100 Amp.service....will be no problem then....if not..power company will need to update your service feed...that can get expensive....OR you can use the method above...IF YOU TRY to do this on your own...buy a good book @ electrical circuts...home wiring...and read it thoroughly....DO NOT touch ANY 2 wires at the same time....240v will burn you badly...but 117v can kill you due to the fact it is 60Hz (cycles)..same as our brainwaves..and heart operate at...

Answer 9

Yes, you can, but I believe you will need to add a 2 pole circuit breaker to your breaker panel. Definately something for an electrician.

Answer 10

You will probably need to install a Sub Panel, then run from there - if you not overloaded with circuits already.