Rewiring Motors for 110V / 220V

Today we're talking about rewiring induction motors for 110V or 220V service. I'm selling some machinery that I previously rewired to run on higher voltage, and I need to reconfigure it for the new owner.

[@garyw.elmqurst6272]

Your instruction is at the top of outstanding Teachers and Instructor's. Thank You for all the hard work and the time it takes to put a KZbin instruction into motion.

[@NorthwestCraftsman]

Phenomenal video, not only from an informational perspective, exactly what I was looking for, but also production quality. Your audio, lighting, and visual were all incredible.

[@g.tucker8682]

Why am I not surprised you know *to the day* when you rewired a tool, nearly two decades on? Thanks for another useful explanation.

[@Clough42]

I found my purchase receipt when I was gathering manuals for the new owner, so that made it a little easier. :)

[@ussweeneyd]

This is PERFECT timing. Yesterday I was “given” this very JET table saw (albeit 30 some years old) which had been messed up in the connector box by a would be amateur electrician. This week I will be checking that the 115 volt wiring is correct. Thanks.

[@TomChame]

Great explanation, thanks. I'll try changing the batteries in the TV remote now with no fear.

[@imranvirk5151]

Super helpful video you made! Tons of information & videos about going TO 230 but very limited info about going back to 115/110. You were very thorough in your explanation which is the most beneficial part of this. Thanks again for putting this together.

[@jamericman]

Great educational video. He explains the parallel / series difference in wiring 120/240 volt systems - which really helps remove the 'mystery' behind these devices.

[@peterohmart707]

I appreciate how you go directly to the point, and explain things in detail, but always stay on topic, you have very clear video pictures, and when you are explaining something, you will point out where on the device or drawing it is you are speaking about. Thank you for not acting stupid, but being enjoyable and professional at the same time!!!!

[@ryanofottawa]

Fantastic video! Great information presented with clarity, while also showcasing a humility in not editing out the all too human struggle of getting the plug into the extension cord :)

[@romeogutierrez3140]

Thank you for taking the Time to draw the wiring out and showing different ways to visualize this wiring configuration ! very helpful !!

[@larrybud]

Woodworker here. One of the best things I ever did was put 220V in my shop and wired the table saw for 220v. Can run big thick oak with very little bogging down. Also at 11:19, you can unplug the motor from the switch with the 2' pigtail...

[@peterohmart707]

The only thing I would suggest for the newbies is showing the correct type of plug to use for each type of voltage (the angle of each of the blades and the direction). 115 v, the blades usually are vertical, and 230 v. the blade on the left is vertical, the blade on the right is horizontal, and the ground is still in the middle.

[@allslimedup5177]

Great detail. Very useful information. When wiring my Chinese 2hp. Single phase 115v motor, it was confusing to me because it had a universal power cord with a blue wire, brown wire, and yellow/green stripe wire. It was easy to figure yellow/green was ground, but I wasn't 100% sure on the motor if line 1 was hot or line 2 was hot. I decided since there was 2 wires on the terminal block line 2 that was hot , therefore line 1 was neutral.

[@keithbrock6410]

That was a great explanation. In the process of changing over to 220 on my table saw, your teaching was excellent. Thank you

[@neomatrix2722]

Oh I currently live off-grid and I'm starting my own Workshop to be powered by d.c. inverters converting to AC inverters and I will be going to 20 volt AC so thank you for sharing how to do a wiring video as I understand parallel versus series already for my batteries I didn't realize it had anything to do with induction Motors so you've taught me something and thank you for that

[@DanDup]

Bravo, I was trying to find out how all these wires work and the connection difference between 120/240. Thank you for your very clear and precise explanation.

[@johnmikash7095]

I found this very helpful. I know vvery basic wiring, and this helped me understand not only the concept of rewiring a dual voltage motor but also how to perform the project successfully. Thank you, John M.

[@broheim23]

Nice work, James. I'm a journeyman wireman; I recently subscribed to your channel and the title of this video naturally caught my eye. Your info is spot on. 👍

[@mynextprojectglenn]

Thank you for a very clear and easy-to-understand explanation of wiring the two voltages. 🎉

[@henryrossouw930]

Brilliant piece of explaining how to do things.Not once assuming, like some YTers that we know the details.Greetings from SOUTH AFRICA where we run on 220 V.Subscribed.

[@ADBBuild]

This is a very relevant video for me as I am about to add a 220v circuit in my garage and change my air compressor from 115v to 230v.

[@MrPatdeeee]

You are one helluva teacher James. How do I know this without wavering? I taught electronics for 45 yrs when I worked for RCA. And I can say without doubt that you are awesome with your knowledge; but being able to teach it the way you do is incredible. Oh indeed yes. Thanks kind Sir. It is a pleasure every time I get that notification that says "clough 42"; I KNOW it is going to be interesting and worthwhile. "Caint wait fer the next un!" GAR-OWN-TEED!

[@trentyoung1135]

Very helpful. I am rewiring my Powermatic dust collector from 115 to 230. It came prewired at 115 but is set up to convert to 230.

[@waylonk2453]

Thank you for putting out this video, Clough. You answered many questions that I had after searching through many other videos. You've earned a subscriber!

[@williamburris3878]

Fantastic You Tube video! Your explanation was clear and assumable. Electrical has always been a respected obligation in any process and your straight forward presentation has afforded a greatly appreciated confidence in this daunting task! Thank you. Really nice job....

[@chuckels431]

I James, love all your videos. Just a small correction, the nameplate amps is known as FLA ( full load amps ) the amps it is expected to draw at full load , not peak amps. Peak amps is much higher known as inrush or starting amps. Keep em coming 👍

[@mshaw290808mi]

A few years ago the power went out in our neighborhood. It was a hot day and I wanted the house AC on. My AC unit said about 9 amps FLA. I did the math and saw that my 5000 watt generator had enough power to run it. Every time I started the AC the generator unit would stall. Later on I found that when an AC unit starts its peak amp draw can be 4 to 5 times FLA. My generator could not handle the peak load to get it going.

[@mbmb7824]

Can't all be zingers

[@mbmb7824]

A fla of say 12A could inrush up high as 30-40A hard to say exactly with a clip on(cheap one).

[@normanworthy4237]

Thanks you explained a lot. I thought I knew a bunch, but you touched on things I had questions on. Now to find someone to tell me if my new assumptions are accurate.

[@paultrgnp]

G'day James, another great video. I was glad to see that you keep the power input plug in your full view while you are working on the other end. I too do this, especially when I may need to test something with the power applied part way through a job. This has become such an ingrained habit that when I see someone on KZbin NOT keeping there plug in full view, I feel very uncomfortably nervous even though I know it is a prerecorded video and not a record of someone dying on KZbin. Thanks for NOT making me feel uncomfortably nervous. Cheers from Oz.

[@epyeruaugustine7631]

Also make a video when a capacitor or two capacitors are connected...for better understanding

[@cashflowcliff]

Awesome explanation! Thanks so much for giving me a better understanding about current and why it makes sense to use 220v.

[@TheAerodromeStudio]

Thanks. I've always wondered about switching between 120 and 240. Nice mix of didactic and practical. Merry Christmas.

[@dennismatzke6435]

Hey I just want to say thank you very much cleared up me refresh my mind gave me the insight to see what I had to do and thank you very much cleared my head up

[@renaissanceman7145]

Excellent explanation! Easy to understand, thorough and not condescending. Perfect. Thank you very much. I'm replacing the worn out motor on my metal lathe with a more powerful dual voltage motor and now I am confident it will go smoothly.

[@LabRatJason]

@3:05 - I totally thought you were going to say 220, 221... whatever it takes.

[@Clough42]

I was planning on it, but forgot. :)

[@wrstew1272]

You know the birthday of your tabelsaw? Great teaser!

[@brocbradley2313]

Expert commentary and analysis. Very informative. Thanks.

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

New sub. This was great. All the info I needed, and none of it I didn't. (And the electrical lesson was super helpful, especially about why to use 230v!)

[@rickcichon5065]

Thank you for this video, the best one I've seen on this. Youade it easy.

[@ztynzo]

Thank you for sharing that safety tip with the cable! ❤️

[@ocAToccd]

Nice explanation! (I am an electricity teacher) In Belgium we have 1 phase 230V or 3 phases 400V (some small areas still run on 3 phases 230V) thus even less loss for powerfull machines ! Some middle power machines even use 2 of the 3 phases to run on a "single phase" 400V... Note that in the labs at school we have 3x230V for safety : 3x230V "stings" when you touch a wire... 3x400V can really hurt (you could "stick" and not be able to get away...) => always have a good grounding !

[@mbmb7824]

In Alberta Canada we use 120/240split phase in residential wires. Industrial typically 347/600/3ph. Big commercial is 277/480/3ph typically. That 347 lighting is a sonofabich if you get polked...by the way as an apprentice I let the smoke out of a whole circuit of sodium ballasts by accidently including another hot into circuit. Syncrude Canada was not very happy. They weren't all that mad either, that was a massive snfu but oil was at 150 a barrel. Nobody died. Great fn day!

[@mbmb7824]

When we lose speed in a motor. Here we check fuses first, if a phase is out we say single phased as well. But it is never enginieered in. Always run 3ph on all three phase motor.

[@rickmellor]

Lol... I was setting up a bandsaw earlier this week and noticed that I could change the voltage. You're in my head! BTW, that saw was entirely too clean to be 19 years old.

[@Clough42]

It's had a very easy life. Plus, I scraped the glue off the cast iron and cleaned up the sawdust before you got here.

[@rickmellor]

@@Clough42 funny how guests always think our houses are so neat and tidy. 😉

[@mauriciogonzalez618]

Tanks for the video , you make things easier to understand!

[@PedroPerez-ek4le]

You are smart man the way you explain everything was sample and understandable thanks

[@123232ism]

Thanks for the clear explanation of single phase induction motors!

[@williamnichols7295]

Great Video I.A GUNSMITH BUT JUST GOT THREW BUILDING A 3 X 72 INCH SANDER I did not know with motor to use on it till I saw this video. Now I know to go with 230 v to be more cost eff. thanks

[@robert_g_fbg]

I had that very model Jet saw, 1999/12 date code. And I rewired it back to 115V for the next owner when I upgraded to my SawStop eight years ago. Deja vu

[@prodrumernate]

something else you can do especially if you work at a tool shop and repair things is to take the power cable and place the plug in your pocket.others can see that and you know if you dont feel it to track it and verify no one plugged it in.i did that a lot at a few places and had others do it as well.

[@Clough42]

That's not a bad idea, as long as I don't have to go too far.

[@tundrasr5709]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for the education.

[@333Roulette]

This video helped out a lot. Thank you for taking the time to explain.

[@dog2bert]

Probably too late, but would like a tour of your woodworking machines

[@spokehedz]

Congrats on the motor making it to its 20th birthday!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Quite interesting! 4 coils I believe? putting two windings in parallel for 115v or in series for 230, If I am correct there is a centrifical sw. for cutting out the start coils when the proper speed has been attained. if I am right current leads volts on an inductive load, putting a cap (capacitor) in the circuit makes for a better power factor.

[@larryduane77]

Clear presentation. Thank you.

[@boattaway9741]

Thank you so much I need to do that because I don’t have 220 to my shop and planer is wired for 220

[@lovomalcome2773]

Thanks for this video I was confused to change my jet pump wiring

[@aaronbuildsa]

I left a thumbs up .. even though I live in a 220V 1ph country, and have never come across a dual voltage single phase motor (doesn't mean they don't exist!) - but I did just have my 3ph 415V motor re-wired for 220V 3ph, so found myself curious :)

[@FullSendPrecision]

I think in north america you're only supposed to have one outlet per 220 circuit. Might be folklore?

[@Clough42]

I have seen this question asked repeatedly in forum threads. I have never seen anyone provide a quotation or citation to support it. I think there are some specific rules for specific pieces of equipment that need their own circuits, but I have never seen a rule about general-purpose 220V outlets. If someone would like to provide a citation, I'd be happy to take a look.

[@markmelville6670]

Now I get the 110/220 motor wiring. I still have not figured out how to set up my new Grizzly 17" bandsaw.

[@barsoom43]

I found this video very useful.. Thanks..

[@randywl8925]

The only thing that wasn't addressed was the capacitor. Why would it remain the same with either voltage? If it doesn't matter with a start capacitor, would it matter with a run capacitor? I rewired a Dayton Agricultural 1/2 HP fan motor to 115v as you did. I believe it has a start/run capacitor. 30uF 240vac/b This motor is non reversible, 850rpm.

[@hairyfro]

Looks like a Precision Matthews label perhaps on the larger crate. I'm going to guess it's a PM940 mill. Moving that spindle to a beefier machine, perhaps?

[@seanwolfe9321]

Do I see a Precision Matthews Logo on one of those crates?

[@piccilos]

good catch.

[@Clough42]

You do. :)

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello James, An interesting and informative video... Thank you... Take care Paul,,

[@ronnielcannon8639]

Very helpful ! Thank you 🎉

[@Carnivorous-Vegan]

Our 230V pump died so I switched it to 115V, just for safe testing with a 115V line/extension cord. Ran fine on 115V, but never in 230V.. Im praying its just the voltage-switch contacts (no-multimeter)? I know in series/230V an open-winding=no-current, but while in parallel/115V, could having only one good winding be enough for the motor to spin??

[@nemesisxrox6773]

nice video production ... if only i could find a presentation for hooking up a 110/220v (120/240v) dual current tool that came with a typical 110v plug already installed ... to a 220v source. Cant just plug er in since the prongs will differ - suppose that plug needs changed out - not sure since i've heard the machines inside circuitry identifies which is being applied - of course the products manual is of zero help.

[@paradoxdea]

Sir, you've inspired me!!! Thank you!!

[@jamesholm3107]

That's my table saw! And I run mine on 230v, like all my other machines. But I have wondered if a motor will last longer if it is run on the higher voltage?

[@CCCfeinman55]

I love a good cliffhanger!

[@traveler7249]

Well described and illustrated.

[@mtz9939]

Very helpful and informative.

[@ScottRods]

Really great video, thank you for the effort you put in to this. I learned stuff.

[@brandontscheschlog]

Great info! Thank you for explaining why to use either.

[@bobuk5722]

Interesting - if in the USA - which of course a lot of your viewers are James, and I do also realise that you have kept it deliberately simple. But some viewers are not US based and I think maybe a nod in that direction - comply with local regulations, laws etc, would not go amiss, not just on your electrical videos but all the ones posted on the 'net. As you will know there can be very big differences and it is not just voltage and frequency that matter. For example protective conductor arrangements, aka 'earth' or 'ground' can differ wildly with significant implications. Kind regards. BobUK.

[@canadianavenger]

I think there may also be a cost benefit for using the full 220, as you are presenting a balanced load to the utility meter. Great explanation though. Can't wait to see the Christmas unwrapping! lol

[@Clough42]

Maybe. Electricity is cheap enough here that it would be tough to notice in a hobby shop.

[@robert_g_fbg]

The benefit I’ve experienced rewiring my shop tools to 220 from 110 has been the smoother startup, due to less inrush current. Also the reduced voltage drops on extension cords, as James described, helped get more power to the carbide tips.

[@mitcadden5715]

Great video! I have the same table saw that I will switch to 230.

[@Dwarfracer88]

For future reference. I accidentally found that on smooth surfaces like labels or painted surfaces (or dry erase boards, how I found out) a dry erase marker will remove Sharpie. Just scribble over the Sharpie mark with a dry erase marker and the Sharpie mark will just wipe right off.

[@Clough42]

Dry erase markers typically use alcohol as a solvent, so this should work well. Sharpie seems to be very specific to the solvent. WD-40, in my experience, doesn't do anything to it, but alcohol does. Way oil (ISO 68, Vactra 2, etc.) takes it off easily. I don't know enough chemistry to understand why.

[@harolddunn8395]

I am hoping for a PM-728VT (Because I have one on order!) but most likely a PM-940 since it is a sizeable upgrade to the Grizzly.

[@Steve_R]

I have a 728VT on order too.

[@Clough42]

The 728VT looks like a nice machine. Same size and weight class as the G0704, but with more Y travel, hand-fitted ways and a worm drive for tram. Much nicer, for twice the price? Pretty compelling.

[@ptrotter5223]

Looks like the crates my PM-940V came in, but could be an 833 or 932.

[@gregwmanning]

Half the current draw also means quarter the power losses in heating the copper windings win win win

[@toolbox-gua]

I knew it, but didn’t know how to. Thak you.

[@tolzenr.823]

Good to no way,great explanation, thanks.

[@ionutaurelian2963]

Nice work

[@Gauzer1]

Admittedly I am an absolute babe in the woods when it comes to powering tools of this size, especially when it comes to using an inverter situation like I am. Your video was great, I do have one question. Is the special 220 plug a residential thing? Can I change the wiring and plug it into my inverter with the regular 110v plug?

[@michaelwaugh7320]

Great job

[@donkinzer5718]

Nicely done. I suspect that you have an electrical/electronics background or, like me, studied and practiced in both electronics and computer science.

[@JesusHernandez-ll5ok]

Yoopi! You got it Toyota corolla

[@johnnywilkins3019]

Very informative. Just one question. By changing voltage from 220 to 110, why doesn't it require changing the start capacitor rating? I'm a bit confused of that.

[@Clough42]

I think the start winding and capacitor are wired internally in parallel with one of the two run coils, so whether the whole motor is wired in parallel (for 120) or in series (for 240) the start coil and capacitor are always seeing 120.

[@tonysplace8009]

This episode reminds me of a girl I once new as a young man (I'm 60)....she was such a tease....What's in the big crates?!?!?!?! Haha....looking forward to it!

[@DokDream]

You kept your girl friend in a crate? In manacles, I presume.

[@Wishfuldream]

I have an old motor used for a wood lathe that I need to rewire. Old meaning, the wire has a cloth like jacket and not color coded. It's capable for both 110/220. How do I determine what's +/-?

[@Adrian_Baez]

Best video explain 🎉

[@marwinthedja5450]

Oh, the 5-axis Haas has finally arrived ;) Edit: Okay, judging from the size of the crates probably not... ...well, maybe next time :)

[@youngyoury8325]

c'est du bon travail

[@antoniomancilla6917]

Good job sr

[@bfx8185]

Poor guys ;) In central Europe we have 3f > 380V :) I'm kidding nice video with explanation! But first part is true we can use at home much more powerful tools 3x 380V x 25A. ;)

[@craighowell1697]

I realize this is an older post but it looks essentially the same as what I’m dealing with. My question is …. Is it possible to reverse the direction of the motor u are showing? And if so how? I really appreciate any information. Thank u

[@werty4329]

Does this mean I can take a U.S. 110v tool to the U.K. 230V and reward it? I've always wanted a Skilsaw mag 77.

[@randolphsnyder1505]

New to me a rockwell delta 10/12 Inch radial arm saw. Came to me w/o a plug but told it was 220,removed cover plate that has wiring config by color wires.dilema is the wiring does not match 120 or 220,I did notice a start capacitor labeled 110 is not wired in the circuit.The two wires that appear to be out of place are a blue and a black wire.any ideas ?

[@annacersongor8553]

Please read this carefully: Sir, I wondered a lot before posting this comment, but I think you're among many others the most capable to understand what I mean. It's about g-code, The more I look to it, the more I become more convinced that it needs a lot to be ameliorated. Don't you think that for a programming language it's very elementary, despite the power of its instructions but they look very much to ASSEMBLY language for a microprocessor ? I have to struggle constantly to remember the meaning of each one instruction : g02 turn cw, g03 turn ccw, g16 polar coordinates, g41, g42, g43 tool compensation, etc. Don't you think that this must be developed further to a level of a TRUE HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGELevel ? Consider this, instead of g03 we will have for example Turn_Cw( ..parameters..), instead of g03, Turn_Ccw(..parameters..) and so on. I HOPE that someone will hear this, and be able to write a totally new and versatile compiler to open the door for a new era for cnc programming.

[@micheljauvin3536]

well done

[@gerryroberts662]

neat video.