How to connect L14-20 plug to normal plug ?

[Joseph R.]

I have a coffee brewer that has a L14-20p plug and it states its 120/240V.

Is it possible to somehow connect it to a standard 3 prong 120V/20A plug in my garage? Excuse the silly question, but I dont know very much about this.

 

[Widgit Maker]

Simplest way would be to replace the existing receptacle with a L14-20R receptacle. You would of course connect your hot to the terminal that connects to the 120V circuit of the plug.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

L14-20p is often used when the load draws both 240 and 120 VAC... This must be a heavy duty commercial unit.

"I have a coffee brewer that has a L14-20p plug and it states its 120/240V." Does it refer to the plug or the coffee brewer? Do you have the manual for the coffee maker?

 

[Joseph R.]

Hi everyone thanks so much for the input.

Good news is that the brewer can run using either 120 or 240V via a switch (see diagram).

I think it may be easier to simply switch out the L14-20p cable for a standard 20A 2 wire and be done with it. If so, I'll grab one hot leg (ie. black) and the neutral and map it properly to the 2 wire cable - then flip the switch to 120V (see photo below). Let me know if Im totally off here.

 

[Reach4]

I think you need a 3-conductor cable with a NEMA 5-20P plug.

I am not sure if that is what you meant. This can plug into a standard 20 amp 120VAC outlet due to the T-shaped slot in those receptacles.

I might just change the plug rather than the cord assembly.