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    rdvarin's Avatar
    rdvarin Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Oct 8, 2013, 04:58 PM
    How do I get the 208v to 120v?
    I am getting a read of 208 on some wires on the electrical outlets and 120 on some how do I get the 208 to 120.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Oct 8, 2013, 05:02 PM
    I am getting a read of 208 on some wires on the electrical outlets and 120 on some how do I get the 208 to 120.
    Whoever wired your receptacles was clueless and could potentially do some very real damage if you use those receptacles.
    Find a real electrician who can correct this.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Oct 8, 2013, 05:25 PM
    Is this your house or commercial bldg. 208 is associated with 3 phase wiring, very uncommon in a house unless there was a shop with heavy equipment. Tell us more please but don't dive into the box!
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #4

    Oct 9, 2013, 06:42 AM
    A 208 v receptacle is shaped different than the normal household receptacle.

    A conventional plug will not fit it. Also, a residential household will normally have two voltage levels present, 120 Volts and 240 volts.

    It takes a special 3 phase transformer configuration to create a 208 V circuit.

    So my immediate question is what are you seeing this 208 v on? If it is a normal household duplex 120V 15 or 20 amp receptacle, then you have a serious problem.

    If this circuit is part of a "Multiwire" circuit, then the "Neutral" for this circuit is open and you are seeing 240 V. In turn that means that anything you plug into that circuit will fry.
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