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    dx4530's Avatar
    dx4530 Posts: 37, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #1

    Dec 13, 2011, 09:53 PM
    How does a 220 volt recepticale work ?
    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
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Dec 14, 2011, 05:07 AM
    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.
    creahands's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
    Ultra Member
     
    #3

    Dec 14, 2011, 08:37 AM
    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
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #4

    Dec 16, 2011, 10:16 AM
    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.

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