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butcher7487 · Jan 2, 2012, 08:40 AM

Hi, I'm new to an apartment from a house. I have a washer and dryer but no hook ups. Washer is plummed and working. Dryer needs a 240 outlet. My cousin is telling me that I can get two extension cords cut the female ends off, wire them into a new unmounted 240 plug, with enclosed box, and simply plug the two 120 extension cords into two separate breaker outlets in the apartment. Ok, so my question, is it really that easy to get a 240 outlet?

donf · Jan 2, 2012, 08:47 AM

Your nephew needs to stop giving advice. If he is in your will, take him out now! :)
In an apartment dwelling, all electrical work must be completed by a licensed electrician.

Second, there needs to be a 30 or 40 amp receptacle installed, an appropriate cable and circuit breaker into the panelboard.

butcher7487 · Jan 2, 2012, 09:00 AM

I didn't think it was that easy. Why I asked. Thanks.

butcher7487 · Jan 2, 2012, 09:15 AM

Ok, so I passed on your advise. Hes sticking to it that it can and has been done. Im not talking about any electrical work, running wires. Im asking can you make a 240v extension cord style outlet, to run to a dryer, from two 120 extension cords plugged into two different breakered outlets? I know this is not code, but can you? As I am catching ol lady heat every time she goes to the laundymat, spends quarters, when whe have a dryer in storage.

Fr_Chuck · Jan 2, 2012, 09:33 AM

No it is deadly, even if it would actually work the dryer, it would not be on one circuit, the current is not balanced, it violates more codes than I can court.

Doing this could easily get you evicted, and you would be liable for all damages when it burns your building down.

butcher7487 · Jan 2, 2012, 10:33 AM

OK, agreed. I didn't think so. Now new question. Is there any way to do this that is safe? Im guessing not, but got to ask. Thanks.

tkrussell · Jan 2, 2012, 10:46 AM

I understand exactly what is being suggested. I will not explain how to do this. What you need to understand, is that it may work, getting 240 volts from two 120 volt receptacles, if conditions are just right.

Besides the fact there may be an unsafe splice or connection somehow, you will overload the receptacles and circuits.

At best, there are working fuses or circuit breakers to trip to prevent any damage, and the plan just does not work ,and you get more heat from the ol' lady.

The very possible, unspeakable worst is a fire is started, and you, the ol' lady, and all the other innocent tenants are at risk to lose property, or life.

How does that sound for heat? Never mind the criminal and civil suit charges Fr Chuck mentions.

Very bad idea. Tell nephew to stop handing this bad advice out, he is going to be accessory to manslaughter someday.

stanfortyman · Jan 2, 2012, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by butcher7487

Now new question. Is there any way to do this that is safe? Im guessing not, but gotta ask. thanks.

Absolutely. Cally our landlord and ask him to have a dryer line installed. :)

stanfortyman · Jan 2, 2012, 03:09 PM

Cousins/friends like this are the scourge of any professional trade. Not due to taking work away from anyone. Actually, it's to the contrary, we get work from hacks like that. No, it is because I doubt he'll ever admit he is wrong and will continue to do things that are not only extremely code illegal, but can be downright dangerous!