Can I Install My Own 220 Volt Plug?

Many large home appliances, such as washers and dryers, require a higher voltage outlet than most of the outlets found in your home. If you want to install one in a room without the right outlets, you may be wondering, “Can I install my own 220-volt plug?”

110v vs 220v Outlets

The majority of home electrical outlets are 110-volt, and these serve small appliances, such as lights, televisions, computers, and other electronics.

Larger appliances often require a higher voltage to operate and require a 220-volt outlet. You’ll find these outlets serving appliances such as:

You’ve probably seen many standard 110-volt, 15-amp outlets, with two vertical slots for plugging in your toaster.

However, 220-volt outlets are generally round and dark brown or black to differentiate them.

Many modern appliances now use standard 110-volt outlets with a ground prong and a higher, 20-amp service. These outlets feature both a vertical and horizontal pin.

So, before you worry about whether you can install your own 220-volt plug, make sure it’s entirely necessary. Home electrical DIY work can result in serious injury or even death by electrocution.

Electrical Panel Limitations

The first factors in adding a 220-volt plug outlet is whether your electrical panel has space for it. While it’s possible to hook up more than one 220-volt outlet to one breaker, it’s not a good idea.

You’ll need to check your breaker box to see if there is a spare breaker to support the new outlet.

If you’re simply moving a 220-volt outlet from one room to another, you’ll have a more complicated wiring job, but obviously room at the panel.

Installing a 220-volt plug Outlet in a Nutshell

It’s beyond the scope of this article to provide the critical instructions for installing your own 220-volt plug. However, note that you’ll need to be extremely confident performing the following steps to do this safely.

1. Turn off the main power and test available circuits

2. Cut wallboard to install electrical box

3. Measure and cut wire

4. Cut holes in walls to run wire

5. Install electrical conduit to protect wiring

6. Run the wire through the conduit.

7. Install 220-volt outlet box and connect

8. Remove the safety panel and knockouts from the breaker box

9. Connect electrical conduit to breaker box

10. Install appropriate breaker with the correct amperage

11. Connect wire to breaker.

12. Restore breaker box, test new outlet

13. Repair drywall and paint

Call a Pro

While replacing an existing outlet is a simple DIY task for most homeowners, adding new circuits and running outlet wires to support new outlets is a task best left to the pros. Installing your own 220-volt plug outlet requires advanced skills in electrical wiring, along with construction skills to install conduit and restore wallboard.