220 outlet from ceiling.

[Andrew Nemeth]

I was going to install a 220 line for my table saw from the ceiling about 12' above the floor. Does anyone know the proper setup for this? I believe I have seen a box with a twistlock outlet mounted to the ceiling. A 6' extention dropped an outlet within easy reach. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

-Andrew

[Steve Milito]

I just have a regular recepticle box with a twist lock outlet on the ceiling. I then made an extension cord with twist locks on both ends.

[Wes Grass]

I've seen it done with these:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#cord-grips/=8fqcvy

And that was in real live industrial applications done by licensed contractors, so I'd assume it was 'to code'.

[Dave MacArthur]

L14-20R
locking 20A nema receptacle. This is a thread showing the plugs you might find useful, I was going to make a thread on workshop plugs etc...

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...highlight=nema

[Mike Cruz]

Yes, I put my twist lock recepicles on the ceiling and made an extension cord that went to the floor...with another twist lock on that end, too.

Now, I took it one step further, for safety sake, I don't know how "right" it was, but for home/hobby use, my electrician said it would be okay...for industrial use, maybe not so much. What I did was to thread the extension cord through some pvc pipe so that a sharp swinging object or one thrown from a machine, or some other unforseen circumstance couldn't slice the extension cord open. Yes, if you ran your equipment for extended periods, it is possible that the pvc could entrap heat, but again, for home hobby use, it is unlikely.

I AM NOT SUGGESTING ANYONE DO IT, I'M JUST SAYING WHAT I DID. IF YOU DECIDE TO DO IT, RESEARCH WHETHER OR NOT IT IS A GOOD IDEA.

[Dan Hintz]

While technically against code (long runs in enclosed areas), I agree it's perfectly fine in the real world. If you want to come a little closer to satisfying code and still get the protection, drill a number of holes in the pipe for "airflow". You could even drill them at an upward angle to prevent a straight-on shot to the cord. It's a good idea for protection, BTW...



Unplug the cord before drilling

[Mike Cruz]

I take it that the holes should be drilled BEFORE the wire goes into the pvc, though...

[Gary Radice]

I did what Dave and Mike suggested, but left the free end hanging about 6.5 feet above the floor. Easy to reach but when I'm not using it I can walk under it without it hitting my head (I'm 6' tall).