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-   -   2 separate 120s but no 220 (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=469324)

  • May 6, 2010, 07:56 PM
    mjbums
    2 separate 120s but no 220
    Why don't I get 220 volts when I test the 2 110 legs with a meter?
    I get 110 with a meter on each leg separately but when I test the 2 legs of 110 together I don't get any voltage
  • May 6, 2010, 07:59 PM
    Missouri Bound
    Which 2 legs are you talking about? Are you talking about a breaker, a panel, what?
  • May 6, 2010, 08:04 PM
    mjbums

    It's the 2 110 legs to my swimming pool motor. I have 2 110 legs and a ground. I know I should get 220 when I touch my test leads to the 2 110s but I'm not
  • May 6, 2010, 08:07 PM
    Missouri Bound
    So... is this a new installation? Did it ever work? What happened? More detail.
  • May 6, 2010, 08:09 PM
    mjbums

    Its been working for years,one morning I noticed the pump was off and this is what I'm getting when I test the wiring at the switch and the back of the motor itself
  • May 6, 2010, 08:12 PM
    Missouri Bound
    It's one of two things... either the breaker has lost a leg, or there is a broken or loose connection. Where does the power come from, the panel or a separate disconnect? You need to check the voltage at the source, if you are capable of doing that.
  • May 6, 2010, 08:22 PM
    mjbums
    So you think its an electrical problem which is what I thought,but an electrician looked at the problem and said there is nothing wrong with the wiring and said it was the pump motor. But I was sure I should get a 220 reading when checking the 2 110 legs togetherwith a meter. The power comes right from the main panel on the side of the house
  • May 6, 2010, 10:24 PM
    hkstroud

    Has any other wiring been done which involve opening the circuit panel?
  • May 7, 2010, 02:06 PM
    Missouri Bound
    Well, if you have 220 (240) at the motor and it doesn't run, it's a motor problem. If you have 110 (120) at the motor, and it's a 220 volt motor... it's an electrical problem. Start by finding a new electrician.
  • May 7, 2010, 05:51 PM
    KISS

    Just to clear some things up. Having 120, but no 240 can mean:

    1. Double pole breaker on same side of line
    2. A loose connection/bad breaker.

    Picture it this way. Suppose one side of the breaker was open and the motor was on or there was some leakage path in the motor.

    The motor winding would act as a wire, essentially showing 120 at both sides.

    So, you have to ENSURE the motor is OFF when making these measurements otherwise you can be fooled. The meter draws negligible current.
  • May 7, 2010, 07:04 PM
    ballengerb1

    If you are actually getting a reading of 110 on your test meter please tell us where you live.

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