Creating a redundant outlet

How to create a redundant power outlet that also functions as an increased current outlet.

I have a generator that has two 15A circuit breakers on it. I mainly use it for a welder / compressor for air tools. The welder works fine, but the compressor is rated at 15A, but when it starts up, it draws a bit too much and pops the circuit breaker. So I made this little "adapter" to handle the extra current at start-up.

Be warned if you make this though: If you plug one cord in, and not the other the other cord is electrified, and is therefore extremely dangerous. I suggest if you use it, you hold both plugs in your hands before plugging them in.

Another note: If you use this as a "redundant" plug and the first circuit is shorted, the second one will short along with the first. It would only be good for power failures on one circuit.

Tools and materials you will need:

Step 1 Prepare the conduit box/platic fitting

1. Thread the compression fitting into the "female adapter" (You might choose to delay this step until you glue everything together)

2. Cut the conduit to the correct length.

3. Glue all the pieces together in the design you want

4. Wait for them to dry for the next step

Comments

[l0sts0ul]

May I suggest you replace your breaker if its tripping at 15A and that is what your compressor is rated for. Its called nuissance tripping. It might be safer then this setup. But good job thinking out of the box.