Tzale
Proud Libertarian Conservative
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join:2004-01-06
Sweden
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| Converting 220V to 120V
Hi,
I was wondering if it is possible to convert a 220v electrical outlet to a 120v outlet. We purchased an air conditioner today and realized it comes close to overloading the existing 120v circuit. We have a 220v circuit installed next to that air conditioner but since the air conditioner is 120v we are not using it. My plan is to convert the 220v outlet to a 120v outlet and use that with the air conditioner since it is a dedicated run to the circuit breaker. Does anyone know if this is possible? I don't want to rip out walls or anything since this part of the house was just added on less than a year ago and the builders changed some of the wiring around so now one of the old rooms is connected to the newer wiring and we can't run both air conditioners at the same time (it overloads the circuit).
Thanks for any help!
-Tzale |
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stevesa
Former Crunchie Iv Host
Premium
join:2000-06-29
Boaz, AL
clubs: | It can be done very easily. Are you electrically inclined? If not, you may be better off having an electrician take care of it for you. If you are, I'll post a solution. Don't want to see anyone get hurt!
Steve |
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Tzale
Proud Libertarian Conservative
Premium
join:2004-01-06
Sweden | reply to Tzale
Yes, I know how to install outlets and circuit breakers. I think I know how it works but if you could post a solution it would be EXCELLENT.
Thanks,
-Tzale |
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stevesa
Former Crunchie Iv Host
Premium
join:2000-06-29
Boaz, AL
clubs: | IM Sent. Give me a call! |
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tschmidt
Premium,MVM
join:2000-11-12
Milford, NH
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| reply to Tzale
It all depends on how the outlet is wired. If it is a 220v outlet without a Neutral you cannot convert it to 120v.
Another option is to use a step-down transformer to convert 220 to 110. If you go that route be sure to get one large enough for the Air Conditioner. |
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Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
4 edits | said by tschmidt  :It all depends on how the outlet is wired. If it is a 220v outlet without a Neutral you cannot convert iet hurt to 120v. Well that's not completely true.... though color code to legal code no you can't
But as long as still a ground.... you can take one side of the 220 and remove it from the live side to neutral (at the panel end).... again no will not be color code legal, but FAR better than changing a neutral (white) to live status... where someone working on the system could be LIKELY hurt by it. Hard to get hurt by a apparently hot line that has been moved to neutral status. (not impossible, but hard)
I have even discovered wiring stuff much the same (and the reverse MUCH more dangerous situation) by a previous house owner who swore done by a pro electrician) that was much the same kind of thing.... two wire 120 wire used for dual hot three wire application (ceiling fan where a neutral was used instead of a hot and incorrectly wired to boot.. but color correct on the box panel end) and again the FAR more dangerous situation.
And again the fan thing where a NEUTRAL had been subbed for a hot..... VERY dangerous thing to do if physical human contact without at least meter testing first... and blew the circuit when turned on... fortunately knowing electricity first clue of the situation, before ever physically touched)
PS DISCLAIMER if you don't have the slightest clue of what electricity is about don't even think about ANY of this!!!!
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»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West)
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yourkidding
@cable.rogers
1 edit | reply to Tzale
Right,
120 and 220 plugs are completely different
Your stove is 220 and needs it |
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groundzerozzz
@cable.rogers | reply to Hayward
Great website,don't do any electrical wireing .ok |
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Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
1 edit | said by groundzerozzz:
Great website,don't do any electrical wireing .ok
I've done plenty in my time and understand how it works....and been in plenty of homes that were "pro" wired that are plenty funky as the fan situation mentioned above the electrician that didn't want to just use propper wire (dual hot or twin run) cable above and use a neutral as a hot but on other end still wired it as neutral.
Trick to electricity is to FIRST know what it is about....and SECOND DON"T EVER ASSUME the person before you did even ANYTHING right without first testing/careful examination.
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»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West)
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CurtesyFlush
Bababooey, fafafooey, tatatoothy.
Premium
join:2002-08-23
Fontana, CA
| said by Hayward :and SECOND DON"T EVER ASSUME the person before you did even ANYTHING right with out first testing/careful examination. Oh lordy how I can say amen to that one Hayward. |
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