Options for Power to the Panel and Receptacles and Plugs

[Cioffi]

I have a couple of questions having to do with getting power to my panel.

First, I have one of the cords that was for Xerox copiers (the one Kal references; four prong, GFI, etc.). Can't this just be hard wired to the panel? So, there wouldn't be a need to put a flanged plug on the bottom of the panel and then put a L14-30R on the other end of the cord.

Second, if it's not wise to hard wired the cord into the panel, what's the least expensive way to have a plug on the bottom of the panel (Kal has a L14-30P flanged inlet) and a L14-30R mating to the plug?

Thanks,
TC

 

[thargrav]

You could hard wire everything in but I believe that having the ability to unplug the heating elements for service, upgrades & replacement far outweighs the cost.

As far as "cheaper" goes, since there is no common ground to the heating elements you only need three wire twist lock L6-30P plugs and mating L6-30R receptacles for 5500 Watt 240V heating elements. But you still need 4 wires to the panel unless you are using an existing 3 wire dryer outlet.

For 4500 watt and lower wattage element wiring, you can use slightly cheaper three wire twist lock L6-20P plugs, mating L6-20R receptacles and 12 gauge wire because the elements will be drawing less than 20 Amps each. Just make absolutely sure that you don't want to upgrade to 5500 Watts later if you go this "light weight" route.

 

[Cioffi]

Okay, that helps. I could hare wire power coming into the panel from the dryer outlet with the Xerox cord and make the elements plug ins (which are 5500 elements).

Anybody know of a good (inexpensive) source for the plugs and receptacles for the elements?

TC

 

[Jps101]

I hard wired and have no issues. However, that said, on version two I am not going to hard wire I find it cumbersome to move stuff around with wires hanging off panel. FYI

 

[JRems]

You can also use the switchcraft plugs. I'm using them sucessfully running close to 30 amps without any issue
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/switchcrafts-plug-outlet-option-369044/

 

[smittygouv30]

+1 to switchcraft. They are cheap small and they snap into place with a trigger release.