I am curious as to what others have done for receptacles that are going to be used with different equipment that have different plug configurations. As an example, I am going to install a 30amp 220 receptacle that will be used by my finishing (sanding) machine, current air compressor, and the replacement larger air compressor which have different plug end configurations. Since I really like the ideal of the solid connection the twist lock style receptacles provide for the equipment, I will have to change the plug ends or complete power cords on all of my equipment.
To my knowledge IIRC, all of the woodworking equipment runs strictly on 250v (3-wire confirguration) as compared to appliances that can run on 125/250v (4-wire configuration) such as a range. Even so, I would figured that going with the 4 wire receptacles gives me the most flexibility in case a piece of equipment does use 125/250v that I am not thinking of now. Wiring from the panel to the receptacle box was done with 10/3 for the 20-30amp connections and 6/3 for my 40-50amp connection.
When I replace the plug ends to match the 4-wire receptacles, if the original plug end was three prong (2 live and a ground), I obviously will only be able to wire the 4 wire twist lock plug with the 3 existing wires from the equipment power cord. Will there be a problem with the Neutral connection not being wired on the plug side even though it is wired from the panel to the receptacle. It should be noted that I am running these connections from a subpanel where the ground and neutral wire bars are separated.
The goal if possible is to use the same type receptacles on all outlets around the shop to allow for maximum flexibility in re-arranging the shop based on future needs and uses.
Any recommendations / comments would be appreciated.
David