Exhaust Fan 220 vs 110

[jdub63]

Yesterday I received my new 24" exhaust fan. The motor can be wired with either 220 or 110.

Can someone explain the advantages/disadvantages of each?

Additionally, how is the 220 switched? Is there a unique switch for 220 that will kill both leads?

I would appreciate any constructive comments.

 

[MoonRise]

Advantage to 120V (aka 110V aka 115V) usage: More 'common' in residential wiring.

Advantage to 240V (aka 220V aka 230V but usually NOT 208V, although some devices are 'compatible' with 200-240V) usage: Half the amperage draw compared to 120V operation. That means for 'high' amperage-draw devices that there is less voltage drop in the wiring and the wiring -may- be able to be done with slightly lighter gauge wire and a smaller circuit breaker.

Switch would be a 2-pole switch, like this:

http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/wiring/section-c-datasheet.asp?FAM=Switches&PN=HBL3032

Available here (and probably lots of other places as well):

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/HUBBELL-WIRING-DEVICEKELLEMS-Industrial-Grade-5Z807?Pid=search

 

[Stuart in MN]

What size is the fan motor? For anything under 1/2hp or so, there's really no advantage in wiring it as 240vac. Above that, depending on the size, it will save you a little on wire gauge and circuit breaker capacity.

 

[jdub63]

It's only 1/3 HP, so I think I'll just wire it up at 115V. Thanks for the inputs.