Re: Electrical question

Chris Eller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]: 

> 
> Greetings all.  I have a, hopefully, simple electrical question.
> 
> Let's suppose I have a properly wired 240v outlet right where I need
> some 120v outlets.  I have read that is is possible to put in a pair
> of 120v outlets in place of a 240v.  It's made by using the neutral
> commonly to both duplex outlets, red-hot to one and black-hot to the
> other, then common ground to the box (each duplex is then on a
> different hot leg). 
> 
> Is this really possible?  Or did I read something not quite safe?  If
> it is safe, is it a real stretch to make a portable outlet box for the
> 120v and plug it into a 240v outlet, then provide a means of grounding
> it properly (long ground lead attached to the 240v face-plate screw,
> for example).
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> Chris

Yes, it's possible and safe if you have a 4 wire feed for the 240v 
receptacle.  Sounds like you might - black, red and white insulated 
conductors and a separate ground.  If it's only a 3 wire feed then you'd 
have to use the bare ground as the neutral which is a no-no plus you 
won't have a safety ground.

A 3 wire 240v receptacle could be safely converted to a single 120v 
receptacle with a little work in the breaker box.  The wire color coding 
would be off so I'm not sure if it's technically correct according to 
code to do it or not.  You'd probably want to consult on electrician for 
more on that.

The portable box could be done with a 4 wire 240v feed.  I wouldn't do it 
with a 3 wire feed.

Doug