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220/110 Conversion

Remford

Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2013
Messages
17
We recently moved into a new home with an expanded garage we intended to meet all of our automotive/workshop needs - including a pair or 4-posts lifts.

To that end, we had the builder add 220V outlets on 30A breakers throughout, even positioning power for future needs like EV chargers if the government should ever succeed in having its way by forcing the entire populace to buy vehicles it doesn't want - but that's another harangue.

I should've known after six months of delays and myriad other problems that the garage wouldn't be exempt. Now it's time to order and have the lifts installed, but I'm not quite sure about which tack to follow.

I can order ether 110 or 220 versions of the same lift and have adequate power to both. The slower lift rate isn't of material importance to me, so I've been thinking about other factors like future use in another home, flexibility etc. Either would suit my needs just fine.

My primary question is this. In adding the 220 outlets, the builder seems to have installed them in place of what otherwise would've been conveniently-located 110 GFI outlets. These are in addition to the dedicated overhead 220 lines originally intended for the lift use.

How complex (expensive) would it be to have select 220 lines converted to 110 lines instead? I presume the heavier gauge wire is perfectly suitable and the major issue would be converting the fuses and voltage at the box for each circuit. I'd also like to do the same for several wall locations where an overabundance of 220 exists but 110 would be much more convenient.

Lastly, if I were to add an accessory power station like BendPak's WSA-100, would I be better-off installing 220 lifts just to ensure sufficient voltage to the utility box?

I'd appreciate any advice/insight/relevant experience.
 
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wyliesdiesels

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 14, 2012
Messages
20,067
Location
Modesto, CA
First off where are u located? If in the us the nominal voltage to a residence is 120v/240v.

Second, the 240v outlets can be converted to 120v if a neutral was ran. It all depends on how the circuits were wired. If there is a neutral, u would switch the outlet and change to a single pole breaker in the panel.

Why not post some pics of what u got....
 
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pattenp

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
10,175
Location
Virginia - USA
If 2 conductor NM-b wire (Romex) was run for the 220V outlets the white wire can be moved from the double pole breaker to the neutral bar in the panel. You then replace the double pole breaker with a single pole using the black wire.
 
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