240V appliance outlets - standard types, readily available

[megloff11x]

What are the most common home outlet sizes these days, for new home construction?

In older homes, I've seen the NEMA 10-50 for welders in the garage and occasionally ovens and dryers. The latter usually end up with a NEMA 10-30.

I have a hardwired device at 120V/240V that needs four wires and over 40A. Inside is a mix of 120V and 240V equipment. The big hitter is a phase-phase heater that takes over 35A, or I'd wire it 3-phase. As it is, it does wonders for power balancing.

They want to be able to easily move it to two different locations and are willing to install new service for this.

I'm having a hard time finding a standard plug & socket rated 50A with four wires. The NEMA chart shows pictures, but (lack of) demand is such that no one stocks them, and I'm beginning to doubt if anyone still makes them.

Aren't many newer electric ovens coming with 4-wire pigtails these days, and what are they using? Is it 30A, or 50A for self-cleaning & the impatient chef?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[suemarkp]

I think you want a NEMA 14-50 (assuming 4 wires means 120/240 with ground and not 3 phase plus a ground).

These should be easy to find at a home center (as you mentioned, all new range circuits should havbe this type of receptacle). I was just at Home Depot today and they have the receptacle and a plug that has interchangable pins to switch between 14-30 and 14-50 configurations.

Here's a link to some NEMA receptacles:
http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm

 

[megloff11x]

I'm having another senior moment. For wiring the NEMA 14-50, the "W" terminal is Neutral? Just want to be sure.

Matt

 

[infinity]

I'm having another senior moment. For wiring the NEMA 14-50, the "W" terminal is Neutral? Just want to be sure.

Matt

Yup. X & Y are the hot legs, W is the grounded conductor and G is the Equipment Grounding Conductor.