Converting 120 to 240?

[Justanoldguy]

Well it may not be any safer but it sure is not a problem.
Like I said, it's been like this here for 160+ years and never needed changing.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I'm cofused, how is it safer? You have two legs that are 120 of opposing phases. If one don't get ya say hello to it's buddy that will? LOL

No, 240 elsewhere is a hot and a neutral.

Charles

 

[Stuart in MN]

2. Japan uses a 100 volt standard, just to be incredibly different!

To make it even more unique, half of Japan uses 50Hz and the other half uses 60Hz AC.

 

[DURAMAT]

My bad LOL

Id rather get hit on a 120v then on a 240v. Heck its only 33V difference than 277V And yes that hurts like a Mofo!

 

[1Garageman]

>Are you telling me that you don't have anything that runs off of 120v?

Down under power (and most of the rest of the world - US/Canada is "special"):
Electrical Power and Phone Specifications in Australia

Voltage (230 Volts): ​

International AC outlet adapters do not convert electric current. If your appliance does not accept 220-240 volt current, serious damage can result if you do not also use astep down transformer to convert the current to 110-120 volts. Step down transformers convert 220/240 volt electricity to 110/120 volts for American appliances. ​

Frequency (50Hz): ​

North American 110-120 volt electricity is generated at 60 Hz (cycles). Most international 220-240 volt electricity is generated at 50 Hz (cycles). This difference in cycles may cause the motor in your 60 Hz North American appliance to operate slightly slower when used on 50 Hz. Please note that many 60Hz devices such as clocks may not function normally on 50Hz current.​

No 120v stuff at all.
Everything including all appliances etc are 240v

I know it may come as a surprise, but virtually all of the rest of the world uses 240 volts as their primary voltage. Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, parts of South America, Taiwan, and Saudia Arabia are the only countries that use the "split" 120v/240v system. Follow the link for a world map and descriptions of various voltages and receptacles used worldwide.

http://users.telenet.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm

Charles

Thanks a lot for explaining that to me guys, and the web link also. That is very interesting.

 

[Blaisun]

hey all, good read thanks!, just one more question from me, i recently helped a buddy install some 240V baseboard heaters in his house. The digital thermostats only switched one leg of the two hots, is the general rule the same, have to switch both hots, for heating circuits? or are they treated differently?

The wiring was was 12ga, 2 conductor, 1 ground, with a red covering if that makes a difference...

Thanks

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

In a 240v circuit, the two hots provide the ground for the other leg. Think of it like a sine wave, as one leg goes positive, the other goes negative providing the ground. On the opposite phase, the roles reverse. The ground is just there as a safety ground similar to a 120v circuit.

The thermostat is still breaking the circuit to start the heater, just not like the circuits you are familar with.

 

[Blaisun]

Thanks, i understand that part, but earlier in the thread, speaking about the 240V lighting, some said there was a requirement for a double pole switch for the 240V lighting to switch both hots. I was wondering if it is the same for heating, or is switching only one leg acceptable?

Thanks

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Both legs on a 240v circuit are "hot" and need to be broken at the switch to eliminate power going to the fixture for safety reasons. On a thermostat, power is always on at the thermostat and all it does is make or break the circuit.