Voltage in Series/Multiple Outlets

Thread Starter

rexdino5

Joined Feb 2, 2016
4
So, I've got 100in of 28 Gauge Nichrome 60 wire. I need 240 volts and about 6.8 amps to reach about 2500 Degrees Farhenheit for a furnace that I've made, but I only get 120V and 10-15Amps from my wall outlets. Would it be safe to wire the outlets in series to get 240V and 10amps? If not, would there be another way to get 240-280V from an outlet?

-Jimmy
 

hp1729

Joined Nov 23, 2015
2,304
So, I've got 100in of 28 Gauge Nichrome 60 wire. I need 240 volts and about 6.8 amps to reach about 2500 Degrees Farhenheit for a furnace that I've made, but I only get 120V and 10-15Amps from my wall outlets. Would it be safe to wire the outlets in series to get 240V and 10amps? If not, would there be another way to get 240-280V from an outlet?

-Jimmy
Not from one outlet. Your house is wired for it. You just need an electrician to come out and wire a 240 outlet where you want it, or rewire one you already have.
 

DickCappels

Joined Aug 21, 2008
10,152
Or reduce the length to 50 inches if your outlet can supply 14 amps plus the extra current when the wire is cold.

Late edit:
Overall, I think hp1729's advice in post #2 to have an electrician wire a 240V outlet is your best and safest course of action.​
 
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jpanhalt

Joined Jan 18, 2008
11,087
This is a typical question where knowing location(s) would help. Assuming it is in the USA or has similar wiring, here is a discussion of using a shared neutral and "split 220" to give two, 15A, 110 V outputs from a single receptacle.

http://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/12868/can-two-circuits-share-a-neutral

If your location is wired like that, which is probably unlikely, then the two out of phase power legs can be used to give 220 V.

Your terminology leads me to suspect that you are not very familiar with household wiring. Connecting those pins in "series" , i.e., positive of one outlet to "negative" of other is exactly the WRONG thing to do. It will create a dead short! You need an electrician or other competent person to help you get a 220V outlet.

The absence of ready 220V makes it sound like your work area is residential. You also need to check code, your insurance, and/or your lease at a minimum.

John
 
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