How To Take 120v Off a 240v Circuit (120v Outlet On a 240v)
Many people get some bright ideas when they want to wire some new device while trying to save some money at the same time. These bright ideas may be creative, but they also may be dangerous as well as a code violation. Make sure you know what you are doing to avoid being electrocuted.
This task may be possible, but it may not be safe to do. Most people recommend taking the safe way and installing separate breakers for the 240-volt and the 120-volt outlets. But most people are saying it won’t pass code regulations.
This is a tricky subject, and to learn more about it, just continue to read our article. It explores the subject to provide the best information on this topic so you can do this task safely or avoid it at all costs. The latter is the best option.
Can I Put a 120v Outlet on a 240v Circuit?
It is possible, but if you do this task incorrectly, be prepared for any emergency that may arise shortly thereafter. Some people with electrical experience are warning about possible fires and electrocution when the wiring is not done correctly.
We mention this because it is very easy to wire incorrectly in this case. From what we understand, the 240-volt circuit does not contain a white neutral wire in many cases. Without that neutral, you won’t be able to power the 120-volt outlet.
It is possible to divide the 240-volt outlet and make two 120-volt outlets. This is done using a shared neutral wire. To do this, you would also have to reduce the breaker in the box from 30 amps down to 15 or 20 amps or whatever the code calls for.
What would be a better idea is if there is a light in the room you want to do this task, leave the 240-outlet alone and tap into the 120-volt light socket to get your 120-volt power. This is a lot safer and easier to do than working from a 240-volt outlet.
When you try this type of task, there are two elements you need to be concerned about. First, if it is not code, then be prepared to rip out your work and return it to its original form. That is if an inspector takes a look at it.
Second, if you do this and there is a fire, do not expect your fire insurance company to pay for the damages. You have to be to code and have safe wiring in your home for them to pay for anything.
How To Take 120v Off a 240v Circuit
This is only going to work if the 240-volt circuit has four wires. Most 240-volt systems only have two hot wires and a ground wire, and without the neutral, you can’t make this re-wiring work. With that said, here are some instructions on how to do this task:
Step one- Turn the breaker off to the circuit you will be working on. There is no need to turn all the power off. Next, locate the junction box where you will be doing your wiring.
Step two- open the junction box and expose the wires inside. Then push the 120-volt wires through one of the cut-out holes in the back of the box.
Step three- remove the wire caps off the wires and then strip about 1/2 an inch of insulation off the 120-volt wires. Next, connect the two black wires together, the two white wires together, and the two green wires together.
If your 120-wire set is red for the hot, attach it to the red wire instead of the black one. Then put everything back and turn the power on.
One BIG Caveat
These are the instructions that we have found. We are not telling you to follow these instructions. We strongly advise you to take these instructions and call or go to an experienced electrician to see if this will work, is safe, and won’t put you, your family, or your home at risk.
Also, be careful of the advice you get from RV discussion forums. Those people giving the advice may have done it the way they advised and had nothing bad happen, but that does not mean their methods are safe.
Always discuss these creative ideas with an experienced electrician who will help you stick to code and prevent fires and dangerous shocks.
How To Wire a 120v Outlet To 240v
Most people have said you should put in a new set of breakers and breaker box to handle the different loads. 30-amp breakers are too large for 120-volt wiring and can cause you a lot of problems after a while.
Also, you have to be careful not to plug 120-volt plugs into 240-volt outlets. That is too much power for the 120-plug and wiring to handle. You may see sparks, smoke, and some melting taking place if you do.
Even if the plugs look the same.,never plug a 120-volt plug into a 240-volt outlet. If you want to go ahead with this project, either spend the money and hire an experienced electrician to do the work or make sure you know what you are doing.
Some handymen may be able to wire simple plugs, outlets, etc., but when it comes to this type of project, it is best to leave it to those who professionally work with electricity all their lives. The risks are just too great.
Some Additional Words
While this is a possibility to do, wiring a 120-volt outlet to run off a 240-volt circuit is not the best idea anyone has ever had. There are just too many risks involved, and it is easy to make a mistake.
Also, check the code in your area to make sure this is not a task that violates local electrical codes. You do not want to have to rip out your work or pay out of pocket for any fire damage.
