Basic 220 Volt Circuits 220 volt circuits (AKA 230 volt, or 240
volt) are used to supply power to appliances which draw high
currents such as clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, cook-tops,
heaters, air conditioners, rotary phase converters, and water
heaters. Parts of a 220 Circuit No matter what appliance you are
wiring for, any 220 circuit has three elements:1) The breaker
panel connections. 2) The supply wire. 3) The terminal
connection, which can be either a special receptacle or a direct
connection to an appliance. For any appliances rated over 300
Volt-Amps (which includes almost everything 220) there must be
either a means of disconnect at the appliance or a breaker lock
permanently installed in the panel so that a service man can
insure his own safety. (NEC article 422.31) "Means of
disconnect" can include a pigtail which can be unplugged from a
receptacle, a disconnect device (often used for HVAC equipment)
or a unit mounted switch which has a clearly labeled off
position. Appliances which are in a direct