How to NOT change a 120v to 240v outlet | Handyman

[@Sparky-ww5re]

Situation like these is where having a good quality multimeter (the most versatile models are clamp on meters that can measure AC/DC amps as well as AC/DC volts, resistance, capacitance among other functions) and knowing how to interpret the readings come in very handy. If I come across a 240 volt appliance that is not working at all, and the receptacle tests 0V between the hots, but 120V from each hot to ground, than I know that someone had landed the two hots on the same bus bar in the panel. A properly wired 240V receptacle will read 240 between the hots and 120 between each hot to ground

[@michaelcollins5438]

Better to change that breaker out and put in a two pole single throw breaker, move that white wire back over to it, both wires should be on the same breaker to prevent confusion , thanks for the videos,

[@roncomesinhandy4891]

Thanks for the feedback

[@SRH1991]

That's exactly what I was just told and going to implement for our homes new 240volt cooktop.

[@hsusysabina]

@michaelcollins5438 So, you need two single poles next to each other in order to replace the two single poles together with one double pole breaker, right?

[@guruprasadmarathe]

Hello Michael i added a question for you in my comment. Any idea how it can be done exactly reverse situation? Read my Comment. Really appreciate

[@samgonzalez1447]

Yes a one double breaker which is a 240v and bring the white wire back so that both wires are on the same 240v breaker is easier

[@victorlee7638]

Same side means same potential. It’s a single phase supply with center point grounded. The most important part you missed is how to identified the correct neutral wire.

[@karelmontel9284]

Always use a good multimeter to each phase and neutral to make sure power is off.

[@michaelechivester6478]

Why do you need to be on 2 different bus bars. I have dryer that is 240 volt and my panel has only 1 side of 120.

[@guruprasadmarathe]

If you start with 120v and we can make that 120 or 240 inside anywhere.. i an from india.. How do get the same result to use any voltage in the house if we start with 240v? Do i need to step down first and then continue doing the same pattern or any other alternatives to split 240 to two 120 hot wire?

[@antoniomontana4801]

Can you use the same gage wires for 240V that had the 120 V outlet ?

[@facelessman7733]

Likely not. The 120v Romex is likely rated for 15A. Your new 240V circuit will likely require 40A or more, which would require a heavier gauge wire. You risk overheating the standard Romex if you overdraw the amps it is rated for.

[@BoogerEaterBare]

​@facelessman7733 not necessarily true. If you're just running a few baseboard heaters, or hot water heater, you can get away with 12 gauge wire and 20 amp breaker. He might be able to get away with 15 amp double pole breaker on 14 gauge if he only needs 2800 watts or less.

[@HondaCrf450r.]

​​@@BoogerEaterBareI have a question. so I'm running 220v wall outlet to my shed i was told I can run 120v off the 220v plug by using the ground and one power wire. my question is someone else told me that's not a good idea if I'm using a 60amo breaker for my 220v because of I'm running 120v off the 220v and the 220v is using a 60amp breaker if something was to short out on the 120v outlet it can cause a fire. they said a 120v 15amp or 20amp needs it's own breaker and own wire run to 120v what's your opinion on this?

[@michaelwitkiewicz7052]

@@facelessman7733wrong! A 20 amp 120v properly sized with quality romex (nm) can support 240v 20 amp. It’s all about what conductors are and can support.

[@facelessman7733]

@@michaelwitkiewicz7052 I suppose everyone is right.

[@wallsum2]

Scary method😮

[@gdowling09]

Do you have a video that does show the right way ?

[@roncomesinhandy4891]

@@gdowling09 not at the moment, but when I do I'll tag you in it

[@bowlampar]

Need a new double pole breaker。

[@HondaCrf450r.]

I have a question. so I'm running 220v wall outlet to my shed i was told I can run 120v off the 220v plug by using the ground and one power wire. my question is someone else told me that's not a good idea if I'm using a 60amo breaker for my 220v because of I'm running 120v off the 220v and the 220v is using a 60amp breaker if something was to short out on the 120v outlet it can cause a fire. they said a 120v 15amp or 20amp needs it's own breaker and own wire run to 120v what's your opinion on this?

[@leeroyexcavator9149]

Who ever told you that the wires can't be on the same side is full of Bull Butter!!! Need to be on a double breaker but on the same side!!! You got bad advice bro!

[@roncomesinhandy4891]

Yea, I found that out later.

[@Israelibarra-j9e]

Helpful!! Tks

[@qimingliu9500]

a big thanks from a farmer

[@KevinCoop1]

You violated NEC! You must have a two pole circuit breaker for a 240 volt receptacle! Two single poles does not comply. You just got lucky that the one you moved to was one space higher, therefore on the other leg.

[@roncomesinhandy4891]

Thank you for pointing that out. I have since went back and corrected this

[@KevinCoop1]

@@roncomesinhandy4891 Did you make a follow up video explaining it? You should have for your viewers! I see that you did not. Do you feel that is a dis-service to your viewers? Swallow your pride and show the mistake. They will respect you more.

[@Juank1o]

@@KevinCoop1 👏👏👏

[@Juank1o]

@@roncomesinhandy4891 then delete this video.

[@KevinCoop1]

@@Juank1o No, just edit in the beginning of this one that there is a mistake, can you find it? Then reference a new short one showing the fix. Probably get lots more views!

[@davepakulski8221]

If I'm thinking correctly, the bare ground becomes your neutral. Yes/no?

[@andrewlawrence2291]

Yes correct

[@karelmontel9284]

240 has its own neutral, they are 2 phase so current use the other wire as neutral.

[@surferdude642]

Absolutely not, the bare or green insulated ground wire is used in the case of a ground fault, and carries no current under normal operation. It's the same thing, regardless of whether it's 120v or 240v.

[@surferdude642]

​@@karelmontel9284240v has no neutral, it's a balanced circuit by default. The wires supply power and return current alternating with the frequency. In residential applications it's still single phase, with alternating poles.

[@bennyrussell5551]

Stick to something that doesn't involve electricity. Never use the ground for neutral.

[@Millzlane]

Watchin this shit as an electrician is cringing. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong lol

[@jimmunhall]

I’m no electrician but recently took a few trainings on electrical safety and this whole video scared the shit out of me. He relied solely on the “widow maker” to believe the power was off. Not once checking voltage or using “live, dead, live” to test out his meter before touching anything. Not to mention no non conductive tools, etc. accident waiting to happen is all I saw 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@michaelwitkiewicz7052]

@@jimmunhalldon’t forget the unsecured cover that started fall off which is like the first thing an electrical apprentice learns not to do to avoid killing themselves …

[@franciscaramirez2342]

You can have the the nutral onbthe same 120 line think about it lol who ever sed that is a lier lol