How should I convert 220 volt to 110?

[McToker]

After many delays, we're finally making progress on our new grow room. The framing is just about done and soon we'll be ready to wire it.

We have an un-used 220 volt outlet next to the new room. We'd like to convert this to two seperate 110 volt outlets so we can run the window Air Conditioner on one and lighting/fans on the other.

A quick search on-line showed that we can either have it re-wired into two 110 circuits or buy an adapter. Durn if we can't find the adapter. Everything seems geared towards traveling abroad.

We don't mind rewiring "at the outlet" as long as it doesn't involve running new wire from the fuse panel.

Can anyone help us out here?

Thanks,

McTokers

[JackdaWack]

Simplest way to do it and probably the best is to find the wire that goes into the fuse pannel and set it up so its 120v, u can either tap into an existing 120v fuse or u can pick one up at homedepot and wire up a new one. Since your swapping the voltage at the source your likely to have the best results. Then you can buy a 120v wall socket and wire that up. I never liked the idea of using adapters and such since your going to be running a decent amount of power. You can use the wiring that is already in place. It's pretty strait forward, if u have any problems do a search on how to wire a new fuse in the panel and the wall socket should come with instructions if u dont know how to do it already, worse case have some one do it for you.

[Mississippi Steve]

Have an electrician install a sub panel, with an appropriate breaker in the main panel so you don't burn your house down.

1 foot of good wire beats hell out of a mile of firehose.

[DreadedHermie]

A quick search on-line showed that we can either have it re-wired into two 110 circuits or buy an adapter.

This what you're after?

30 Amp 240V Power Box - Plantlighting Hydroponics (http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/30-amp-240v-power-box-p-1397.html)

[Frickr]

to convert from the 240v to 120 volt you will have to change the breaker. most states will require you to call an electrician to do this sort of work. it is easy enough to do just requires popping off the cover popping out the breaker and replacing it with a 120 volt breaker.

theres 3 wires that come into your main panel, 2 hot wires and 1 neutral wire. the 2 hot wires will equal 240 volt and by using the neutral you split that giving you 120. you cant simply replace the plug as the 2 wires you have coming into the plug will be off both the A and B phase. to convert to 120 volt you need to have either the A or the B phase running on the hot wire (black wire) from your panel to your plug, then your grounding conductor (white wire) hooking into the neutral wire in your panel.

this post is strictly informational, i accept no responsibility for any accidents, fires, electrical shocks or burns from anyone attempting this themselves. when in doubt call a professional, no sence burning your house down trying to save a few nickels. there is a differance between wiring something, and wiring it right. if you dont have the knowledge, and degree in your hand, you should not attempt this. once again, call a professional, it would be all of a half hour job.

[the image reaper]

pat attention to Mississippi Steve's answer, he is a professional electrical contractor, and knows what he's talking about ... :thumbsup:

[McToker]

Wow! I didn't think the adapter would be so much. Don't really need a timer built in. It seems like the bill from the electrician ought to be far less than the $250 for the adapter.

Thanks to all for your input.

[DreadedHermie]

Loose lips sink ships.


Adapter got no lips. ;)


Hermie the Discreet.

[JackdaWack]

Honestly, doing it yourself is hard to screw up, 3 wires at each end, only issue is if u do manage to screw it up ur going to start a fire. It takes a very small amount of electrical knowledge to do this, if u havent got any dont do it. Calling an electrician in to do the work is a great idea, but u need to make sure u have everything concealed when he comes, best to do it now while your still putting things together, he may not realize what the plug and room is for.
Doing something as simple as changing the voltage in the breaker and re-wiring a socket shouldn't cost more then 100 bucks and an half hour worth of his time.

[jhonijim]

go down to home depot they sell an adapter that turns the 220 plug on a generator in to multiple 110 it shouldnt be that expensive.

or try this one
Coleman 3ft., 10-Gauge Generator Cord w/Y Adapter | Generator Cordsets + Plugs | Northern Tool + Equipment (http://www2.northerntool.com/generators/generator-accessories/item-100173.htm)

-also US 220 is miss labled as two phase its acutlly split phase there is a difference:thumbsup:

[McToker]

Thanks for the link. That plug has a different configuration than that of my existing 220 outlet. But, I'll do some checking at the local box stores.

[Horsemanrocks]

Ok McTokerâ?¦Iâ??ll walk you through it.

First thingâ?¦..break the circuit at the main or sub panel whatever

Next thingâ?¦.take note of the valve on the breakers or handle tie

Next â?¦..remove the receptacle, and take a picture.

If you can read the wire gauge on the wire, goodâ?¦probably wont be necessary though.

Iâ??ll check back later
Horsemanrocks

[eastbaygordo]

I bought a box that plugs into the dryer outlet and serves up enough power for 4 1000W lights and 10 amps of accessories for less than $300.

I'm very happy with it.

[McToker]

Sorry I took so long to respond but my health went south for a long spell.

eastbaygordo ~ Do you have any particulars on the "box" like sourse and model number? Didn't really want to spend that much though.

Horsemanrocks ~ If you're still around, I'm listening. I was gonna post some pics but I don't see the usual spot to do so. Things must have changed on the forum while I was gone. Anyway, looks like just one black wire, one white wire and one bare wire.

[McToker]

Horsemanrocks ~ Here is a link to our grow log. I was able to post the pics over there.

http://boards.cannabis.com/grow-log/180496-mctokers-3rd-grow-hempy-buckets.html#post2063090

[driftersmokinjo]

Sorry I took so long to respond but my health went south for a long spell.

eastbaygordo ~ Do you have any particulars on the "box" like sourse and model number? Didn't really want to spend that much though.

Horsemanrocks ~ If you're still around, I'm listening. I was gonna post some pics but I don't see the usual spot to do so. Things must have changed on the forum while I was gone. Anyway, looks like just one black wire, one white wire and one bare wire.
sounds like the adapter from homedepo would be your best bet. just buy the proper receptacle and replace the old 1. that way the only wiring you will be doing is changing the receptacle .

[McToker]

Thanks drifter, I'll go back to the depot and look around again.

[McToker]

Just did more searching on line. Looks like the problem is solved. HD has a 3 prong to 4 prong adapter so I'll be able to just hook their generator adaptor to that. Heading down there tomorrow.

Thanks y'all.:thumbsup:

[McToker]

Ended up ordering the items and they arrived today. So much for thumbnail pics and vague descriptions. The items aren't even close to what I need.

Looked at the Power Box option but I'd rather have a 15 amp 120 volt circuit rather than the 10 amp it provides.

I guess I'll just break down and call an electrician and have it done right.

Thanks y'all.

[McToker]

My searching finally paid off. I found a device that is so simple even I can't mess it up (knock wood).

Actually I found them from several vendors. They are sold by equipment suppliers for folks that do commercial carpet cleaning or fire/flood restoration.

They say it takes a 30 Amp dryer outlet and converts it to two 20 amp 120 volt outlets.

Prices start about $99.

[123ABC]

PLEASE BE AWARE!!! The dryer outlet does not have a neutral. It uses 2 hots and a ground. If the ground is not connected anywhere between the outlet and the breaker you could be putting 240 volts to something built for 120. It could destroy equipment and or start a fire and or kill someone. Electricity has a way finding its return path of least resistance.