How To Connect a 220-Volt Receptacle to a 20-Amp Breaker

Installing a 220-volt receptacle can significantly expand the capabilities of your home workshop or garage. This high-powered outlet allows you to run larger tools and appliances that require more electricity than standard 110-volt outlets can provide. In the video above, electrician Allen Gallant walks through how to install a 220-volt receptacle connected to a 20-amp breaker.

Why Do You Need a 220-Volt Receptacle?

A 220-volt receptacle can handle higher electrical loads than standard household outlets. We use these outlets for large appliances and power tools that require more energy to operate effectively.

Benefits of 220-Volt Receptacles

220-volt receptacles offer several advantages for homeowners, including:

• Increased power capacity for heavy-duty tools and appliances
• Improved energy efficiency for certain devices
• Faster operation of some appliances, such as electric dryers
• The ability to run multiple high-powered devices simultaneously

Common Applications

220-volt receptacles have become more relevant as technology advances and the number of high-powered appliances in households increases. Modern electric vehicle chargers, advanced workshop tools, and high-efficiency kitchen appliances benefit from these outlets.

Some common items requiring a 220-volt connection are:

• Electric dryers
• Electric ranges and ovens
• Large air conditioners
• Powerful table saws and planers
• Welding equipment

Preparing for 220-Volt Receptacle Installation

Before beginning the installation process, you’ll need to have these tools, materials, and safety precautions in place.

Required Tools and Materials

• 1-inch and 5/8-inch spade bits
• 12/2 metal clad (MC) electrical cable
• 20-amp, 220-volt receptacle
• Anti-short bushing
• Drill/driver
• Hammer
• Linesman pliers
• MC cable connector
• Old work electrical box
• Rotary cutout tool
• Screwdriver
• Staples for securing cable
• Two-pole, 20-amp, 220-volt circuit breaker
• Wire stripper

Safety Precautions

Working with electricity can be dangerous. Always follow these guidelines for the safety of yourself and those around you:

• Turn off power to the electrical subpanel before beginning any work.
• Use insulated tools when working with live wires.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Double-check all connections before restoring power.
• If you’re unsure about any step, consult a licensed electrician.

Installation and Connection Process

Installing a 220-volt receptacle involves several steps, from running the cable to making the final connections. 

Running the Cable

First, check that you’ve turned off the power to the electrical subpanel. Then, follow this process to run the cable:

1. Remove the cover.
2. Use a 5/8-inch spade bit to drill a hole through the top wall plate above the subpanel.
3. Feed the MC cable up through the hole and extend it over the ceiling joists.
4. Mark the location for the new receptacle on the wall, at least 30 inches above the floor.

Installing the Electrical Box

Now you’re ready to install the electrical box following this process:

1. Hold an old work electrical box against the wall at the marked location and trace its outline.
2. Use a 1-inch spade bit to drill out two diagonal corners of the box outline.
3. Cut along the outline with a rotary cutout tool to create a hole for the box.
4. Feed the cable down through the wall to the box location.
5. Pull the cable through the hole and into the rear of the old work box.

Preparing the Receptacle

Gallant then explains his steps for preparing the receptacle. Here’s his breakdown:

1. Remove the side plate from the box and secure the cable using the cable clamp.
2. Wrap the green grounding wire around the green grounding screw inside the box and tighten it.
3. Reattach the side plate to the box.
4. Push the box into the wall hole and secure it with screws through the mounting flanges.

Wiring the Receptacle

Remember that the white wire is used as a hot wire in a 220-volt connection. Normally, it serves as a neutral in a 110-volt setting. Here are the specific wiring steps to follow:

1. Strip the insulation from the wire ends inside the box.
2. Connect the green wire to the green screw, the black wire to one brass screw, and the white wire to the other brass screw on the receptacle.
3. Gently fold the wires into the box and secure the receptacle with screws.
4. Attach the cover plate to complete the receptacle installation.

Connecting to the Subpanel

Lastly, you’re ready to connect the receptacle to the subpanel. Gallant follows these steps:

1. Remove the knockout plug from the top of the subpanel.
2. Attach an MC cable connector to the knockout hole.
3. Slide an anti-short bushing over the cable’s metal sheathing. This step protects the wiring and maintains the integrity of the connections.
4. Feed the cable through the connector and tighten to secure it.
5. Connect the wires to the circuit breaker and grounding bar inside the subpanel.
6. Snap a new two-pole, 20-amp, 220-volt circuit breaker into the panel.
7. Make the final wire connections to the new breaker.
8. Replace the cover on the subpanel.

Testing and Finalizing Your New Connection

After completing the installation, test the new receptacle to ensure it’s functioning correctly and safely:

1. Ensure all wire connections are tight and properly insulated.
2. Verify that the circuit breaker is properly seated in the panel.
3. Double-check all connections to ensure they’re secure.

When you’ve tested the connections, turn the power back on to the subpanel. Use a voltage tester to confirm that the receptacle is receiving 220 volts. Finally, plug in a 220-volt tool or appliance to test the outlet’s functionality.