How Or Can I Change A 110 Volt Outlet Into A 230 Volt?
March 1st, 2010
I live in an apartment. I am going to have to get a window unit soon as it’s warming up outside. Someone I know is giving me a air conditioner that is 230 volts. I only have 110 outlets in my apartment. Is there any way I can hook the wires from both plugs on the 110 outlet to an 230 outlet and just change out the breaker? I really dont want to have to do anything serious and the landlord isn’t gonna help me out so.
Yes you can rig something up but at a cost to safety. First the existing wiring size may not be large enough to handle the amount of power that the A/C requires. That will result in over heating of the wiring and a fire hazard. And using 2 different circuits from 2 different breakers is against code, seriously. If one breaker should trip off, or if someone turns one breaker off, you may think the circuit is dead because the a/c stops running. But it is still hot because of the second breaker still in the on position. Not to mention all the other devices that are on the same circuit will still be “hot” because of the second breaker being tied to the same wiring via the air conditioner.
The only sensible way is either sell that 230v on Craigslist and/or get yourself a 120v unit.
or install a new 240v circuit which will require a 2-pole breaker, plus the wire & single 240v receptacle & box. Plus you have to check the name plate on the air conditioner for the FLA to determine the size of the wiring and breaker size.
Since you’re renting, I’d go with a different air condtioner.
WooHoo! Yep it would work BUT if you change the breaker to a 230, then you must find the exact white wire that goes to that outlet, and IT CAN NOT SERVE ANY OTHER OUTLET. Most house wiring is connected to more than one outlet, can you be sure that the circuit you want to use only has one outlet, probably not.
My best advice is DO NOT DO IT! If you put the wrong white wire on a 230 breaker, you are going to have outlets all over the place at 230 volts, and most of your stuff will be ruined. Maybe cause more problems, and I am sure your insurance company would not like you much when you get caught.
Have you thought of a 10 Gage extention cord from an existing 230 outlet to the window air conditioner? Yes you will have it laying on the floor across the apartment, but so what. Sell the 230 unit, and buy a used 110 volt unit?
This would be easily done if you were experienced and no other receptacles in your apartment were daisy chained with that receptacle.
I would bet that other receptacles are tied in parallel with the receptacle you are referring to. This means that one breaker is feeding more than one outlet. My advice would be to hire an electrician or get another air conditioner. The 230 air conditioner won’t run any cheaper anyway. This is a common misconception. Power consumption for 110 or 230 is the same.
no you can’t. The wiring would need changed and a new circuit run to the breaker box. I don’t think your landlord would approve of this much work. This free air conditioner isn’t free after all is it. I would just go buy a unit that runs on 110 or move to an apartment that already has air conditioning.
Fastfreed is correct, usually several outlets are connected together on one circuit. If you change the circuit to 220 every outlet on that circuit would be 220. If by some chance there is only one outlet on that circuit it would be an easy project. Not likely that is the case.
Yes it Can, No it can’t , Yes it it Can.
Wow, think I’ll stop and get off here, Thanks for the ride.
Take the 230 air conditioner, say thank you, Sell it, put whatever you get towards a 110 air conditioner.
Truth be told, Yes it Can, No it can’t
No way You must have an electrician wire the 220 from the separate legs and isolate the circuit. Any fire will be your fault, and you don’t want to go there. Get a 110 from the pawn or second store and let someone else throw out the dinosaur.
Free isn’t always free.
it can be done..but i would call an electrician to do it..you would have to change the wires at the breaker box,and change the wall socket,and know that the wires between the 2 are rated for 230 volts..its best left to a professional..
your problem can be solve by an electician, its not dificult but please dont try to do yourself. get quotation from a few electricians and go for the best offer.
Nope cannot be done. And please dont even try it, thanks.