I actually don't get what you're trying to achieve here. Just don't use the AC, use the outlets... seems pretty straight forward to me.
this post was submitted on 26 Jul 2023
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there are no outlets, so that doesn't work! I was hoping to add additional outlets, and have enough electrical friends i could bounce the ideas off them, but didnt realize the 240 volt wiring has 2 hots and no neutral, so i cant split 1 240 volt into 2 120 volt plugs!
How come there is no neutral, how does the AC work? Is this in the US or EU? What is the line voltage there?
its 240 volt canadian. You have 2, 120 volt lines, 180 degrees out of phase. Technology Connections has a great video on it.
Wow... I've never actually heard a setup like this even exists... three phase, sure, we have it here even in households (I go it), but 180 degrees out of phase to get double the voltage... yeah, definitely a first for me.
So, the idea is to use the 240V line or have separate 120V lines? Cuz if it's the latter, just bring neutral over the ground (rewire in a junction box) and use the neutral as ground as well. Sure, not the best scenario, but it should get the job done if most of the stuff you plug in are power tools, which don't have ground anyway.
Ground wires in Canada are un-insulated, and not rated to carry continuous current. Huge electrical code violation doing this.
Better off just converting one of the hot wires to a neutral (tag the wire with white tape please), and moving the circuit to a single pole breaker.
As a licensed electrician, I am concerned that this is over your knowledge and experience level. Best advice is to hire an electrician.
There is information missing preventing me from giving you a complete answer.
- What type of AC unit?
- what amperage is the AC circuit?
- what voltage is the AC circuit?
- is there a neutral wire?
- how is the AC unit powered? (Is there a cord and receptacle, or is it hardwired to a disconnect/switch)
My guess is you have either a 20amp 220volt or 30amp 220volt AC circuit. Unfortunately, that will not work for you. Both of those types of circuits consist of 2 hot wires and a ground wire. In order to run a 120v circuit, you need a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. Second, if it is a 30amo circuit, it is against the electrical code to put a 20amp or 15 amp receptacle on it.
That switch will not work for what you are trying to accomplish. IF you do have the correct power, just don't use the AC. If it isn't plugged in, it is not drawing any power.
Best advice is to hire an electrician
Yep. Thread's over. Even without Retix saying so, you should know ya just don't mess about.
Hire a pro, cry about the cost, and one day realize that's an okay outcome.
I actually installed that selector in my travel trailer and it works fine. I'm just not sure if your situation requires that. What kind of outlet is your A/C hooked in to?
i looked into it more, its not going to work for me. I have 2 hot wires and a ground so no neutral to pass through to switch the 240 volt into 2 120 volt plugs.
If you don't plan on using the AC unit anymore, just convert one of the hots into a neutral (mark both ends with white tape) . You'll need to switch to a single pole breaker though.
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