Converting a 240v outlet to 120v

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  • Опубліковано 26 тра 2019
  • It seems like there's always an extra 240v plug when you don't need one and there's not when you do. Converting 240v to 120v is simpler than it may sound.
    *This video is for demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt electrical work beyond your capabilities. Call a licensed electrician.*
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 105

  • @MichaelReuter
    @MichaelReuter  Рік тому

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  • @GreekM3
    @GreekM3 4 роки тому +34

    Couple things, as someone else mentioned you have way too much exposed copper wire on the GFCI receptacle. You need to cut off the excess amount so that when placing behind the clips the insulation is showing and now the copper. Also, when you turn the main power off at the panel, you should turn all the other circuits off as well. You don't want to turn the power back on while ALL the circuits are engaged. Turn the main power on and then one by one turn all the circuits back on. Have a good day, be safe!

    • @joshuastroud3416
      @joshuastroud3416 4 роки тому

      How do you make this same conversion with thicker copper wires?

    • @GreekM3
      @GreekM3 4 роки тому +1

      Joshua Stroud just pigtail smaller gauge wires onto your receptacle from the larger gauge wires.Just use #12 to be safe for a 15 or 20 amp circuit since I don’t know exactly what you are doing.

  • @antoniocapule5686
    @antoniocapule5686 3 роки тому +7

    The best how-to video I've
    seen without much technical
    info. So practical.

  • @cycledude240019
    @cycledude240019 4 роки тому +14

    My thoughts about technical issues have been addressed in other comments well so I won't pile on. My production suggestions are that you are blocking or too far away to see the details of what you are doing. This especially true when working on wiring in breaker panel. If you don't have ability to change camera perspectives during original filming, adding still images in post edit can be very helpful, especially with text notations, arrows, etc.

  • @nemrodbaterna5806
    @nemrodbaterna5806 4 роки тому +3

    This can be done differently depends on preferred style without compromising its safety,
    Well done sir

  • @KevinCoop1
    @KevinCoop1 3 роки тому +3

    Well done! Finally! A legal installation! Suggest that one replaces the cover before turning breakers on. Safer.

  • @gobrowns2163
    @gobrowns2163 4 роки тому +8

    Great video. My only advice is to shorten the lead wires somewhat before attaching them into the GFCI plug to avoid the exposed copper wires from accidentally touching the metal outlet box. Well Done.

  • @RichardSneed
    @RichardSneed 3 роки тому +2

    Extremely helpful. Thank you.

  • @plrx760
    @plrx760 Рік тому +1

    Finally, this guy made a video to the point. Thanks, Mike

  • @dannyterrones5737
    @dannyterrones5737 11 місяців тому

    Nice job. Explained perfectly. Thank you!

  • @surferdude642
    @surferdude642 Рік тому +1

    On the metal box, the mud ring is mounted backwards. You should not be using a mud ring for this application, you need an industrial box cover, the receptacle is then mounted to the cover.
    Keep in mind, by installing a duplex GFCI receptacle, your circuit is no longer a dedicated one. This may be fine, just something to be aware of. If this is not necessarily a dedicated circuit, a 15 amp GFCI receptacle would be appropriate, but the 20 amp one is okay. If this circuit is to remain dedicated, the receptacle must be changed to a single 20 amp receptacle or a single 20 amp GFCI receptacle to be code compliant. Box covers for 4" square boxes are made for single, duplex, 2 gang receptacles, and switches.

  • @MiamiWebDesign
    @MiamiWebDesign 4 роки тому +2

    Good video, thanks.

  • @RangerOfTheOrder
    @RangerOfTheOrder 2 роки тому

    How would the wiring differ if you live in an older building that has fuses instead of breakers?

  • @imerbeser
    @imerbeser 2 роки тому

    Thank you for your video. I have a 30amp 220v box for my electric oven. Can I get a regular 120v plug from it?

  • @holoxfauxfecs5651
    @holoxfauxfecs5651 4 роки тому +2

    Thank! Super Easy!

  • @virginiabautista5830
    @virginiabautista5830 3 роки тому

    can i plug a 120v to normal outlet of electricity?

  • @IAMCHIDERA
    @IAMCHIDERA Рік тому

    Would this give the same results as a step down or converter or would it give a better result?

  • @FernandoRodriguez-ds5ri
    @FernandoRodriguez-ds5ri 2 роки тому

    Great video.

  • @toddbartels2866
    @toddbartels2866 2 роки тому

    What about the extra size of the wire diameter? Usually 240 is not 14 gage.

  • @user-mz3mg4xd3z
    @user-mz3mg4xd3z 10 місяців тому

    Nice job. Thank you

  • @SiBorg8A
    @SiBorg8A 2 роки тому

    What happened to the 3rd wire. The outlet had 3 breaker box X2.

  • @robertlamb1153
    @robertlamb1153 Рік тому

    How about if you need a 110 off your well pump wires which doesn't have a neutral

  • @0xDEADBEEF666
    @0xDEADBEEF666 4 роки тому +1

    10:00 "Davenport West High School 2011 2012" lol

  • @latinhorse75
    @latinhorse75 4 роки тому +1

    If you wanted to could you just leave a one slot open for later use? Also my plug is hot on both sides with a ground. I'am assuming i would half to turn one of those wires at the box into a neutral? Thanks!!

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  4 роки тому +2

      J&D CYCLES Yes, you could leave a slot in the panel open but I would recommend getting a plastic filler to prevent risk of accidental shock. You’re correct on the three wire configuration: Two hots and a ground into hot, neutral, and ground.

    • @latinhorse75
      @latinhorse75 4 роки тому

      @@MichaelReuter Thank you!!!

  • @joshuastroud3416
    @joshuastroud3416 4 роки тому +1

    Attempting this for my range. Going from electric to gas. The wires in was were huge, and won't wrap around the new 20 amp outlet.

    • @packet40
      @packet40 4 роки тому

      If the wires from the box are too big, just put a pigtail on each end (new breaker in the box, 20 amp) and to the new outlet. If it's a 20 amp outlet, use #12 wire.

  • @slycollins6029
    @slycollins6029 5 років тому +8

    you need to clip the excess wire could make contact with metal box

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  5 років тому +1

      sly collins Fair point. Thanks for the feedback.

  • @maks2772
    @maks2772 3 роки тому +2

    You forgot to replace the electrical tape. Very important when making this set up.

  • @SarahPoulin
    @SarahPoulin Рік тому

    I have a 120V duplex receptacle that is split between two breakers. The red wire going into the top screw and the black wire going into the bottom. I want a split surge protector receptacle, but they don't exist. Is it possible to somehow wire two surge protector receptacles side by side on the two separate circuits? I need it for a bit of a complicated setup with a generator, well pump, freezer, and UV light. Our generator isn't powerful enough to power the well pump and fridge/freezer simultaneously.

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  Рік тому

      It sounds like you’re wanting to do a shared neutral. By surge protector receptacle if you mean gfci that probably won’t work with a shared neutral. They would most likely trip immediately. If you do proceed with two standard outlets, the two breakers need to be connected by a handle tie so they trip together. If you’re wanting one of them to be off for the generator then you need a fourth wire to establish two completely separate circuits. Obligatory warning that using a shared neutral may not be allowed by code where you live.

    • @SarahPoulin
      @SarahPoulin Рік тому

      @@MichaelReuter no, I definitely don't mean a GFCI. I mean a surge protector. GFCI won't protect devices against surges coming from the generator. Only a surge protector. Would everything you said still apply to a surge protector receptacle?
      Also, isn't a split receptacle still a shared neutral anyway? The tab isn't pulled on the neutral side. Only the hot side.

  • @pedroaldorodriguez1161
    @pedroaldorodriguez1161 3 роки тому +3

    Man great video, only thing didn't help me out was the main electrical box , camera was to far away, I wanted to see everything u did in the box, I know u were explaining but when someone actually see it better.

  • @oodles86
    @oodles86 3 роки тому +2

    Am I correct in understanding you swapped a 20A double pole breaker to a 20A single pole?

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  3 роки тому

      Okayman Yes

    • @txmade4371
      @txmade4371 2 роки тому +3

      Yea, but there was no need, just leave one empty.

  • @DOMINICANCHILD231
    @DOMINICANCHILD231 Рік тому

    Thank u sir 👍

  • @thedaves302
    @thedaves302 3 роки тому

    What happens when the original 240v plug used a large gauge wire like 8 gauge? How do you make it work in a 20a breaker?

    • @timbihl2753
      @timbihl2753 3 роки тому +2

      Thicker guage wire has less resistance per unit length, so it's required for high current circuits to prevent dangerous amounts of heat from I^2R losses. With lower currents in the thick wire, you just have higher-than-required safety margins.

    • @thedaves302
      @thedaves302 3 роки тому

      @@timbihl2753 I appreciate the info...my problem is that the 10 gauge wire is too big for the new 20amp breaker...I can't get it to fit under the locking screw in the breaker

    • @garybrown7044
      @garybrown7044 3 роки тому

      @@thedaves302 pigtail a 12 ga. wire to the 10, 8, or 6 ga wire to connect to the receptacle. should work fine.

  • @Tom-wq2mz
    @Tom-wq2mz 4 роки тому

    What is the name or the Tool you used to check for voltage. Thanks

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  4 роки тому

      Anonymous A Multimeter

    • @MrSully916
      @MrSully916 3 роки тому +1

      It's called a non contact voltage tester.

    • @Tom-wq2mz
      @Tom-wq2mz 3 роки тому

      @@MrSully916 Thank you. My next step is buying a book before I touch anything.

  • @abelincolnparth
    @abelincolnparth 4 роки тому +7

    you need to warn them that just screwing in a 120 volt gfci still would not turn 240 into 120, some people might stop watching the video early and think that is all there is too it.

  • @christinarubio9962
    @christinarubio9962 4 роки тому

    what is the reason for changing the braker box? I saw someone else do this and they never changed the braker... just need to know if it is a must

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  4 роки тому +1

      Christina Rubio This was on a double-pole breaker which means it was getting both 120v hot lines to make 240v. To make this 120v I had to get rid of one of them by putting in a single-pole breaker.

    • @KevinCoop1
      @KevinCoop1 4 роки тому +1

      Christina Rubio Do you still need an answer? The answer is no, it is not a must. If you need more in depth answer, just ask.

    • @Mateo-us4bn
      @Mateo-us4bn 4 роки тому

      @@KevinCoop1 If the breaker portion of the video is not followed, does that mean that 2 slots are being taken up when only 1 is needed but other than that no harm done?

    • @KevinCoop1
      @KevinCoop1 4 роки тому

      Mathew George Yes. You can have one or two branch circuits from a two pole breaker(both would trip at same time), but you cannot have one 240 volt branch circuit from two single pole breakers. Think safety.

  • @Aviator168
    @Aviator168 3 роки тому

    Is it possible to keep both hot wires so you can have 2 120v circuits?

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  3 роки тому +2

      That’s called a shared neutral. It is allowed but you need to use a two pole breaker-15 or 20 amps depending on the wiring. Putting them on separate breakers on different legs of the panel could double the current on the neutral, melt the wire, and cause a fire.

    • @Aviator168
      @Aviator168 3 роки тому

      @@MichaelReuter Understood. If the breakers are next to each other, it sure be on different phrases, no?
      Edit: That won't work. I am just going discard one of the hot wires.

    • @txmade4371
      @txmade4371 2 роки тому

      Yes.

    • @surferdude642
      @surferdude642 Рік тому

      Not in this case, because he used one of the previous hot wires as the new neutral.

    • @surferdude642
      @surferdude642 Рік тому

      ​@@MichaelReuterFor a shared neutral, aka a multi wire branch circuit, you need a double pole breaker to insure that they are on different Lines in the panel. Putting them on the same Line, or leg as you said, could cause the problems that you noted. I believe that you understand that, but the terminology "different legs" could be interpreted incorrectly.

  • @manuelcuevas4418
    @manuelcuevas4418 Рік тому

    may I ask you are saying 240 v. into 220 ??? even the captions say it I am confused

  • @rickidicki590
    @rickidicki590 11 місяців тому

    MY i ask why was there not a neutral wire in that plug ? Shouldnt there be a green black red and a white.

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  11 місяців тому +2

      240v outlets can have three or four wires. A 120v circuit requires a neutral wire as a return path to complete the circuit while a 240v circuit can use the other phase as a return path.

    • @rickidicki590
      @rickidicki590 11 місяців тому

      @MichaelReuter wow thank you. Thought you always needed a ground and neutral to complete an outlet.

  • @guillermoruiz831
    @guillermoruiz831 Рік тому

    Green is first priority

  • @deerzywinz5625
    @deerzywinz5625 Рік тому

    yeah buddy davenport west in the house

  • @mrbondohrama
    @mrbondohrama 3 роки тому +2

    They make a 220 to 110 adaptor too. Plug and play!

    • @FernandoRodriguez-ds5ri
      @FernandoRodriguez-ds5ri 2 роки тому

      Really
      Link?

    • @mrbondohrama
      @mrbondohrama 2 роки тому

      @@FernandoRodriguez-ds5ri Just go to Amazon and search 10-30P to 6-50R

    • @pedroerocha4194
      @pedroerocha4194 2 роки тому +2

      It's an adapter not a stepdown, it will still be 240v!

    • @mrbondohrama
      @mrbondohrama 2 роки тому

      @@pedroerocha4194 You're right! That is not the one I bought. I just tilted my stove up to look (I can't slide it out) and there is big white box on the 220v side with a short extension cord with the 110v end. It must be some kind of converter. Sadly I can't remember where I bought it. I want to say Home Depot. It was around $23.

  • @JPurontong
    @JPurontong 4 роки тому

    why change the breaker?

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  4 роки тому +1

      En Liri The old one was a double-pole, pulling from both 120v bus bars for 240v total.

    • @JPurontong
      @JPurontong 4 роки тому +1

      Michael Reuter -but if you take one wire off from the circuit breaker then it can draw only 110v, right?

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  4 роки тому

      En Liri Yes, but that would leave a hot breaker with nothing connected. The amp rating is probably also higher than 20 on a double.

    • @JPurontong
      @JPurontong 4 роки тому +1

      Michael Reuter -yeah, but the purpose of a double pole is to have a 220v @120v each, right? Now, if you disconnect one then that would leave just one 110v, right? So why change the breaker if it serves the purpose of just using one 110v?

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  4 роки тому

      En Liri Because of the amperage. Is your double-pole 20a?

  • @philm5082
    @philm5082 6 місяців тому

    I can't see the work you're doing on the beaakers from my house 😂
    Otherwise 9 stars

  • @ElRipper100
    @ElRipper100 4 роки тому +1

    I don't understand. You say this was a outlet for 220 appliances, but you took the 2 wire and put on a gfi to get 110. What am i missing in your explanation?

    • @MichaelReuter
      @MichaelReuter  4 роки тому +1

      Lud Wig I converted a 240 to a 120.

    • @Nick-bh1fy
      @Nick-bh1fy 4 роки тому +4

      Lud Wig since he’s converting 240 to 120, the 240 plug didn’t require a neutral wire so he had a black and red that were connected to the double pole breaker for his 240v connection. Since a 120 outlet requires a neutral he took the red wire (labeled with white tape) and attached it to the neutral buss in his panel

    • @peteropezio6106
      @peteropezio6106 4 роки тому +3

      220V is just two 110V lines that are out of phase with each other. He basically just removed one.

    • @JPurontong
      @JPurontong 4 роки тому +1

      @@Nick-bh1fy -so why not just unscrew the red wire and screw it to neutral buss panel and retain the circuit breaker?

    • @Nick-bh1fy
      @Nick-bh1fy 4 роки тому

      En Liri I’m not sure what you’re saying? His L2 wire (red) was converted into a neutral which then landed on the neutral buss bar. Only having one 120 leg coming from the breaker

  • @IdemRedd
    @IdemRedd 2 роки тому

    the exposed wire is too long

  • @randyreevesthefathersbusiness
    @randyreevesthefathersbusiness 2 роки тому

    That metal box MUST be grounded

    • @txmade4371
      @txmade4371 2 роки тому

      It is back to the panel.

  • @natterlynabob1472
    @natterlynabob1472 Рік тому

    I would not attempt this without first measuring the voltages on the 220 volt outlet and carefully examining the breaker box to be sure I knew exactly what I was going to do before I shut off the power. That is as far as I have gone with my project so far. In my case there are four wires on the 220 V: 110 V at 0 degrees (black), 110 V at 180 degrees (red), neutral (red with white tape) and ground (bare copper). The 220 volts in the socket is between the two phases of 110, and it is breakered at 30 A. My goal is to remove a stovetop and run a small 110 V electric heater about three feet away. It looks like all I have to do is run a bit of romex from the location of the stovetop to the heater, being careful to match the wire gauge. Ideally I would like to also add another kitchen outlet for the new appliances that replace the stovetop. I think it should work all right, probably should replace the double 30 A breaker with two single 20 A breakers. Also I need to label everything clearly in case anyone else will ever work on this mess.

    • @christopherbelu8337
      @christopherbelu8337 Рік тому

      Chief it’s never referred to as two phase, All in here could question you now lol just sayin. 110 only has one single phase and the other leg is to neutral hence why all 110 is single Phase. 220 can also be single phase being that there’s one hot leg and a second hot leg, each is represented single. It can also be referred to as three phase when there are three hot legs. Some commercial applications will also include a neutral and a ground hence 5 wire.

  • @SirSteveFury
    @SirSteveFury 8 місяців тому

    Only good in the USA. Can't do this in foreign countries which standard voltage is 220.

  • @jh-ow2zd
    @jh-ow2zd 4 роки тому +2

    This is really quite a silly video. Your supply line is actually 120v. For some outlets, two 120v supply lines are combined to make 240v (120v + 120v). You are just removing one of the supply lines. In some countries, the supply line is 240v. This video does not explain how to convert it into a 120v line.

    • @kevalva425
      @kevalva425 4 роки тому

      That’s true. You have to eliminate one line. So when you add new outlet what’s the neutral?
      Going be

    • @jh-ow2zd
      @jh-ow2zd 4 роки тому

      @@kevalva425 neutral doesnt change

  • @greenharvestproductions6743

    Next time you make a video make it with close-ups because this is no good I say to you this because I'm a master electrician if you want to make a video and post it make sure you do close-ups because by you just talking about it and you're 20 ft away from the receptacle the camera is you cannot see what you're doing and people out there don't know what they're doing half of the time so I suggested you make the video better because all you could do is create a hazard that's why you put that little warning for that you wouldn't get yourself in trouble please do it properly next time thank you very much all City lighting electrical

  • @DaninVirginia
    @DaninVirginia Рік тому

    I appreciate what you’re trying to do in this video but the parts where your body blocks the camera are the most important parts of the entire video.

  • @worklab415
    @worklab415 2 роки тому

    As soon as i saw @3:04 I went straight to the comments, this individual should not be making these types of DIY, he has almost a 3/4" of exposed wire sitting in that box.......Lightning God!!

  • @epaenetuskapadia6727
    @epaenetuskapadia6727 3 роки тому

    Video u shot is useless because it's not a close up. Ppl need to see what exactly u doing. Listening your comma try not helpful.

  • @suebice7078
    @suebice7078 25 днів тому

    Why didn't you explain all the connections to the outlet? Your video was a waste of time

  • @ravi.r9851
    @ravi.r9851 2 роки тому

    Does not explain how he got 240v down to 120v

    • @ashebennett
      @ashebennett 2 роки тому +1

      He used one leg and ground instead of two legs and ground. Then swapped out double panel for single. What part did you get confused at?

  • @ajpalomino7780
    @ajpalomino7780 2 роки тому

    FF a min to get past the gibber jabber