Electronics Forum / Basics / July 2006

There was a past letter on Goggle regarding one's idea of making a 220
volt portable recepticle. Single phase yet this was not specified.  It
was too old for me to respond directly.
The problem with the proposed solution was that he proposed something
very dangerous; His example was to create 110 volt cords with male ends
at both ends to feed the 220 volt box, This is not just dangerous but
INSANELY DANGEROUS.
In my design which I have not implemented yet, I would feed the 220
volt plug/box with two
regular 12 guage three conductor 50 foot extension cords.  The box
would have 2 to 3 foot male ended three conductor cords-plugs,  There
would be no open live circuit(s), no bleed through current to the other
cord as the box is wired correctly.
Two things I would like to implement in the box:  Phase lighting
indicating A circuit to B or vice versa B to A, that they are 180* out
of Phase with each other.  The second thing is a two way heavy duty
switch to chose from which Ground I'll be using,  Switched only before
power up.  I know there's only one common ground, but there may be
unforseen reasons Ione may need this variable in the box.
This is for a welder, then a 220 volt wired radial, table or mitre type
saw or jack hammer for building.
On the cords I plan to upgrade to 10 guage fifty footers, Love that new
yellow 10G cord at Lowes.
Your electrical or electronics expertise will be appreciated.   Pete