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    shader's Avatar
    shader Posts: 235, Reputation: 12
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    #1

    Sep 18, 2011, 10:34 AM
    240V wire color
    Two interrelated questions:

    My stationary air compressor will be hard wired and runs on STRAIGHT 240V-ie two hots only. Since the two hots are connected to a double pole breaker, can both wires be the same color or need to be different(red & black)?

    Same question for my welder, though this will still use a plug/outlet. The outlet is a NEMA 6-50R. Thanks...
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #2

    Sep 18, 2011, 10:58 AM
    You can use 2 blacks, 2 reds, black and red, and see no reason you couldn't use 2 blues, yellows, browns, or any mix of the above colors, anything but White, Gray, Green or Bare.
    shader's Avatar
    shader Posts: 235, Reputation: 12
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    #3

    Sep 18, 2011, 11:57 AM
    Strat,

    That's what I kind of logically figured-though logic isn't always correct. Thanks.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #4

    Sep 18, 2011, 01:26 PM
    For straight 240V you can pull 2 conductor romex and use black and white. Use a magic marker and color the white at the breaker and outlet to black. This is similar to what you do with a switch loop.
    shader's Avatar
    shader Posts: 235, Reputation: 12
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    #5

    Sep 18, 2011, 04:31 PM
    ma0641,

    Good advice & romex would be easy, but my area requires conduit. Even though I'm not pulling a permit, I like stay in local code. Besides, I paid for these conduit benders and I'm going to use them :)...
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #6

    Sep 18, 2011, 05:15 PM
    Since you will be in conduit, use a red and a black. That way, you know what breaker the wire is connected to.
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