[avgor]

I'm planning basement wiring for the workshop. I will have up to two 240V devices running at the same time - one dust collector and another piece of equipment like a table saw or a jointer. I wanted to make one 240V circuit for dust collector and another one for all other outlets chained like you do multiple 120V outlets on a single circuit.
However, I seem to recall I read somewhere that 240V circuits can only have one outlet per circuit according to codes. I really wanted to setup few 240 outlets in my workshop but running individual circuits will require more wiring and more space in the sub panel.

I live in Ontario, Canada.

 

[AllanJ]

Tools and appliances have three amperes ratings you need to be aware of:
1. Fully loaded operating amperes.
2. Starting amperes.
3. Maximum amperage of circuit, also implied by the power plug.

Since you have to allow for #1 and #2 and you are constrained by #3, it is often necessary to provide a separate circuit for each appliance or tool. If an item requires more than half the circuit amperage and is hard wired (no cord and plug), it is desirable to give it a separate branch circuit.

 

[avgor]

Thanks Allan. Since only one appliance will run at a time, I plan to account for the biggest consumer so it will be 20 Amp circuit with 12 ga wire. I still would like to know if the code allows to have multiple 240V outlets on a single circuit (providing my load calculations are correct). I will not have directly wired appliances - only via outlets.

 

[micromind]

I'm in the USA, my garage has 8 20 amp 240 outlets as well as 8 50 amp 240 ones.

There in nothing in the NEC that requires general use 240 volt outlets to be on dedicated circuits. I don't know about the CEC though.

Rob

 

[al_smelter]

There is no reason you cannot parallel several receptacles on a common branch circuit (Per NEC in US. CEC is probably no different). A shop environment is the perfect example of why. You will almost never use more than one tool at a time (no different than turning a lamp on in your living room). The breaker in a branch circuit is installed to protect the wire, not the machine, so size both accordingly and move on with your project.