Wiring a 120v outlet from an existing dryer 240v?

V

veen

Active Member
something to that effect.... Is this possible? I of course would not attempt any of this, only a professional. But I want to know what im dealing with because this is a hypothetical situation. Its a room with the washer and dryer, the other plug-ins I believe are old. So I would like to make some new wiring and not put strain on the older. Any suggestions?
 
blackonblack

blackonblack

Well-Known Member
Possible yes but not as easy as you'd think... At minimum you'd have to replace the breaker on your panel from 220v to a 110v 15 amp single pole breaker. 220v circuits have 4 wires as opposed to 3 for 110v circuits. You would just use 3 of the 4 wires to connect to the breaker and panel. There should be a black a white a red and a colorless ground conductor. On the outlet end you would just connect the black and white and ground to a 110v 15 amp outlet bypassing the spare 220v conductor in the original wire. The red wire won't be used and can be capped off with a wire nut.
 
kanabis

kanabis

Well-Known Member
Everything is possible but you expose yourself to fire hazard, I'm dead serious! watch out and ask advise from a licensed electrician.

First, understand that your electric washer dryer probably consumes about 5000W, running on 220v, it needs about 22 Amps. Your circuit has probably a 30 Amps breaker which leaves you no room to add anything else. By using it for your lights, you will certainly overload the circuit which could result in a fire.

Secondly, running things in 220v does not save you money on your electric bills. Your power bill is calculated in function of Kw or HP consumed. Your installation will consume the same wattage whether you are using 110v or 220v. However, 220v requires less amperage which could allow for a better usage of your installation.

So calculate the amount of watts you need, then divide it by the current and you will know how many Amps you need, for example: if you will have 3 lights of 1000W, 3000/110=27.7A, it is a very very bad idea to overload your circuit and you will probably need to install fans, pump, airco, etc ... so I would go with a 50A breaker at the main panel wired to a secondary panel where I run my subcircuits. You can never have too much protection. Also very important, depending on your circuit, you need to apply the right section of wires, the right receptor/plug, etc ...

So, make yourself a favor, ask an electrician and do the right thing.
 
hempshark

hempshark

Member
i am a bit confused by the initial question; are you still trying to use the original 240 outlet for a dryer AND splice off for additional 120 or just convert the 240 outlet to 120?
 
V

veen

Active Member
Well I suppose what my vision entails is this- I imagine that 220v can handle more wattage vs a 120v. (I am not very knowledgeable on this stuff so bear with me.) So I was hoping to find a way to use 2 600w hps and a 465 cfm fan on the 240v. Then run the other small electronics off of the original 120v outlets in the room (not the 220v dryer). If I had to I would just have the dryer connected when I hardly used it. Otherwise it would be JUST the lights and fan running off of it at any given time.... SO, does that show where I am at more? Thanks for the suggestions so far helps a bunch in getting my bearings as to where I stand! Peace
 
N

NewClosetGrower

Well-Known Member
dude it all depends on how the 220 is Ran.....IF its 2 seperate hots (120v) you can use one of the legs of it and then find a neutral close by to tie into...its not that hard if you know what your doing...my dryer vent was 2 120v lines and a ground...i had to replace the outlet when i got my front load washer, anyway....tell me what the colors of the wires are and i can better assist you...i have a thread on electrical help, ive been licensed for almost 6 years
 
Serapis

Serapis

Well-Known Member
What you'll end up doing is using the 6 or 8 AWG wire that urrently feeds your dryer outlet, feed a sub panel instead. You can run two 15 amp ciruits. You need a sub panel, two 15 amp breakers and wiring, and outlets for the new circuits.
 
V

veen

Active Member
Serapis- Thanks, so in essence I am just turning the 240 into 2 110v? That makes sense
NewClosGrow-I may hit up your thread man, what is it? Maybe Ill just message ya here in a few days, thanks!
Awesome, will be in the room within the next 3 days and will take this advice into my considerations. Peace
 
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