Power source question

[mandarb777]

Hi everybody,

This is my first post and I have a question about using a step down/step up transformer with power tools.  I'm currently renting and the landlord let's me use the basement for my shop.  But I need more power, specifically for my table saw (craftsman contractor 1ish HP) and dust collector both of which are 110.  There is an unused 220 volt 30 amp receptacle (for a dryer).  Can I use that with the mentioned transformer?  I want to be safe and not waste money.

Thanks so much!

Dave

PS. Hope this is in the right place.

[Coop]

I can't help you on the transformer but I would change the 220 to 120 if you have access to the breaker panel and are knowledgeable in doing so.

[mandarb777]

Thanks K Cooper, I don't know how to do that.  But I also don't want to drop too much money into a place that I'm renting.  Part of the appeal of the transformer is that I can take it with me.  Is it hard or expensive to do that? 

Thanks again,

Dave

[wtnhighlander]

You can certainly use such a transformer, but if you don't know how to rewire a circuit from 220 to 110, you really need professional help with the transformer. Since you need help anyway, less coat will be involved to hire an electrician to rewire the circuit for you. Transformers aren't cheap.

[drzaius]

The dryer outlet is 120/240V, 30A so there's lots of power there, plenty for your shop. But you can't just connect 15A receptacles to it.

What you could do (or rather, have an electrician do it) is make up a portable panel. It will take a small 8 circuit panel, some breakers, a few boxes & receptacles & a dryer cord to plug it in. Assemble the whole thing on a piece of plywood that you can hang on the wall. It's possible to have a mix of 15A, 20A, 120V & 240V receptacles. Total cost for parts would probably be less than $150. No need at all for a transformer.

Please don't try to do this yourself unless you have an electrician buddy that can assist. Don't rely on advice from home center staff because they generally know far less than they think.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[ottacat]

A dryer receptacle is a 4-wire receptacle - 2 hot, 1 neutral and 1 ground. Wiring the 2 hot produce a 240V circuit and wiring 1 hot and the neutral produces a 120V circuit. You can wire a subpanel as drazius has suggested and from there install a range of 120V and 240V circuits although of course your total draw can't exceed 30 amps. Get a knowledgeable friend to give you a hand.

[Tom King]

The dryer wire might not be a 4 conductor, unless it's a newer one.

[Andy Wright]

As others have said, the best way to do it is to build a box that converts the 220V down to a pair of 110V outlets.

If you have a four prong outlet you can use one of these off the shelf adapters 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Conntek-Y1450520S-NEMA-14-50-50-Amp-125-250-volt-RV-Generator-Y-Adapter-Plug-to-U-S-15-20-Amp-Female-Connectors/105629913?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=4133&adid=22222222228053036306&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=152959749748&wl4=pla-264053663920&wl5=9026870&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113500221&wl11=online&wl12=105629913

 

[wdwerker]

23 minutes ago, Andy Wright said:

As others have said, the best way to do it is to build a box that converts the 220V down to a pair of 110V outlets.

If you have a four prong outlet you can use one of these off the shelf adapters 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Conntek-Y1450520S-NEMA-14-50-50-Amp-125-250-volt-RV-Generator-Y-Adapter-Plug-to-U-S-15-20-Amp-Female-Connectors/105629913?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=4133&adid=22222222228053036306&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=152959749748&wl4=pla-264053663920&wl5=9026870&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113500221&wl11=online&wl12=105629913

 

Only if you can find a plug like that for a 30 amp outlet. Different amp ratings of 240 outlets have different blade shapes and positions. I belive there are more than one plug shape for 30 amp dryers, age and code requirements can vary.