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    dustyn79's Avatar
    dustyn79 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 3, 2011, 07:37 PM
    240 volt wiring with a switch?
    My hot tub currently has a simple on/off switch just like a light switch, but its 240V coming from the breaker to the switch. There are no other wires that return for the load. I want to install a on/off timer, and most that I have found require the 2 wires from the breaker (that are currently there), and 2 wires that would be for the load. Is there a way to wire a timer using only the wires that are working the switch that's on there now. Its 2 white wires and a ground? Thanks
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 4, 2011, 04:07 AM

    HUH?? How can you switch a 240v load with just two wires?
    Answer: You cannot.
    You CAN switch half the circuit as a control, but this is not switching the full 240v.

    Something is weird here. Can you post a pic of the box?

    Also, two white wires tells me whoever installed this had no ide what they were doing, or just threw it together to get done.
    dustyn79's Avatar
    dustyn79 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 4, 2011, 06:00 AM
    After looking, I think there is only 110 going to the switch. One wire from the 220 goes to the switch and the other to an air switch in the junction box. Hopefully you can tell by the pics. Will this make it easier to install the timer I want?

    http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/dustyn79/th_IMG_6735.jpg?t=1301921552
    http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/dustyn79/th_IMG_6736.jpg?t=1301921552
    http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/dustyn79/th_IMG_6737.jpg?t=1301921552
    http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/dustyn79/th_IMG_6738.jpg?t=1301921552
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #4

    Apr 4, 2011, 06:06 AM

    Your photos aren't coming up. Can you copy and paste the link?
    It would likely work as you describe, Be sure to have a disconnect before the motor.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #5

    Apr 4, 2011, 06:07 AM
    The photos are too small to tell what is what.

    What is the open box with the visible wiring?

    The fused disconnect switch is switching 240 volts, what is it for?

    What does the outdoor switch control?
    dustyn79's Avatar
    dustyn79 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Apr 4, 2011, 06:28 AM
    http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/dustyn79/?action=view&current=IMG_6735.jpg
    http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/dustyn79/?action=view&current=IMG_6736.jpg
    http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/dustyn79/?action=view&current=IMG_6737.jpg
    http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/dustyn79/?action=view&current=IMG_6738.jpg

    The second box is the junction box, the outdoor switch comes off that. One of the 220 wires goes from that to the outdoor switch, and the other goes to one of the air switches in the junction box. The outdoor switch controls the spa pump.
    dustyn79's Avatar
    dustyn79 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Apr 4, 2011, 06:32 AM
    Comment on tkrussell's post
    I hate to sound dumb, but I'm not sure what a fused disconnect is?
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #8

    Apr 4, 2011, 06:43 AM

    Did see the photos, TK, it sounds like the switch breaks one leg of the 240, and the Air Switch controls the other leg?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #9

    Apr 4, 2011, 12:02 PM
    I agree with Strat.

    A fuse disconnect is the thing that looks like it has screw in fuses in it.

    Bear with us, check the name plate for both the spa and air switch, if both are rated 120 volts, then all you need is a single pole timer.

    If not 120 volts, then something is done weird.
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