I am a handy man but have never really messed with much electrical wiring. I need to run a 220 volt outlet to run a window unit AC. How would I go about using two existing 110 volt switches from my breaker to run a 220 volt outlet? I was told it can be done that way and it would save me from having to run a new 2 pole breaker. Please let me know.

Get a box converter, they're only like $50 for the best one you can buy at Radioshack, and you don't risk messing up the appliance itself or even burning out your house.

Finallife, I am VERY curious as to what magic box you are referring to from R-S. :confused:
I know of no such animal for a 120v to 240v conversion.



qhward, what you propose is NOT legal and NOT safe. You MUST Use a two-pole breaker for a 240v circuit.
A 2-pole breaker is what, $15?

finallife, I am VERY curious as to what magic box you are referring to from R-S. :confused:
I know of no such animal for a 120v to 240v conversion.



qhward, what you propose is NOT legal and NOT safe. You MUST Use a two-pole breaker for a 240v circuit.
A 2-pole breaker is what, $15?
I was wondering about the box myself.

Just a thought here, but he may have been thinking about the converters to make 120 VAC from 240 VAC for use in European countries.

As for the initial question, you are going to need a DPST breaker regardless of what you were told. Also, the conductors, breaker and outlet have to meet the NEC's amperage ratings. So you begin with the A/C unit's manufacturer's tag and get the max amperage that is needed and then get the properly sized breaker, conductors and receptacle.