![]() ![]() The 220 volt circuit for the AC unit most likely does not have a third wire dedicated as a neutral. Hi Randy - Great Electrical Repair Question!įirst off I'm assuming this 220 volt AC circuit is a 15 or 20 amp circuit. the 220v outlet is not recessed in the wall. ![]() I have a 220V outlet that is only used in the summer to run a window A/C unit.Ĭan I tap off of this outlet to make a 110v outlet right next to it to run a small electrical heater in the winter? Replace the circuit breaker or fuse with the appropriate rated capacity if the appliance you intend to use requires a different current than what is being supplied to the outlet.How to Convert a 220 Volt Circuit to 110 Volt Determine the capacity of the circuit breaker or fuse used in the outlet's circuit. Seek the advice of a competent, licensed electrician if it is not. Proceed if the cable is the correct size. Wires do heat up and may present a fire risk if they are not of the correct size. The type of cable used must have the appropriate rating to carry the electric load of your appliance once it is converted to 220 volts. You now know what gauge wire you have and if it is grounded. Replace the outlet cover by reattaching it with the removed screw(s). Replace the wires carefully back inside the outlet. This number is often incused into the plastic. Use your flashlight if needed and safely pull out the wires for a closer look. Look for the cable rating (AWG) stamped on the outer sheathing of the cable. It generally will be attached under a green-painted screw. Make sure you find a green covered or bare wire also attached to the outlet. You will find a black wire and a white wire. Look at the wires attached to the outlet. Remove the outlet cover using a screwdriver to back out the holding screw or screws. Do not proceed with using a voltage converter if you do not find an appropriate cable such as described. Your household wiring most likely will be 12 or 14 gauge, but do be certain you have a cable with a ground wire. The gauge of the wire (established by the American Wire Gauge standard, or AWG) identifies the wire's size and resistance to load over distance. Using a voltage converter requires that the circuit be grounded, so make sure you have an appropriate cable going to the outlet. The black wire is known as the hot wire, the white wire is the neutral wire, and the other wire is the grounding wire. ![]() You want to find that you have a two-wire cable with a ground wire of sufficient gauge to accept the intended load. Determine the carrying capacity of the cable supplying the voltage to the outlet. Use a commercial lockout tagging device to warn others not to turn on the circuit while you are working with it. Turn off the main power to the circuit breaker box or fuse box. Turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker box or fuse box. Do not use converters when the load requires extremely high wattage (5,000 to 10,000 watts) unless you have a qualified, licensed electrician rewire your outlet. Converters are available for purchase to supply a broad range of power wattage options. Will this new 220-line power a window air conditioner, or an electric range/stove, or clothes dryer, for example? Ask a knowledgeable customer associate at your electrical supply store for assistance or seek advice from a qualified electrician for help. Rated in terms of power or watts of energy, you need to know what the rating is for the appliance you will be connecting to the outlet. Remember: Safety is the first priority when working around electrical circuits. ![]()
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