I've read all over the web how a 220 receptacle works but I don't know what a leg is and basically every 220 volt would have to short the same way if you'd wire a hot to both terminals on a 110 volt ? I only have basic knowledge in electricity can someone explain me the 220 system in baby steps ?

Thanks

What did you find on the web about a 220 volt receptacle?

If located in North America, the voltage is 240 volts.

A "leg" is a slang term used by electricians used to indicate one line or wire of an electrical system.

U need a 240 volt receptacle to wire 240, not a 120 volt. They are configured different then 120 volt.

The 240 starts at breaker box.

With your knowledge would advise you get electrician to run this line for u.

If u do it wrong, u could end up dead.


Chuck

It is a bit confusing but, in a 120 VAC circuit, there is a hot, a neutral, and a ground. Hot brings in the power and the neutral returns it after use. In a 240VAC circuit, there are 2 hot leads, both at 120VAC and a ground. In basic terms, 120VAC, 60 hertz, originally cycles per second, is a sine wave and since they are 180 degrees out of phase, 1 leg "acts" as a neutral so when 1 leg is at 120, the other leg is 0. You can't use a 220 VAC circuit on a 120VAC or you will burn it out.