Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Jun 10, 2009 03:56pm | #1

   NEVER connect a load to the ground (green) wire.

   You need a four-wire circuit to handle both 240V and 120V loads:

   • Hot, phase 1
   • Hot, phase 2
   • Neutral
   • Ground

   You get 240V between the two hot wires, and 120V from either hot wire to the neutral wire.

   It's easy enough to hook up a four-wire circuit, but most circuits are not already hooke up that way.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Jun 10, 2009 04:03pm | #2

   My 220 volt plug has three prongs, so I suspect that all I have is a three wire service. I'll pull the wall plug and double check. ThanksJerryFrosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

2. 
   northhouguy | Jun 10, 2009 05:21pm | #3

   I agree.  NEVER hook any load to the green wire.

   It is the "grounding conductor."  It serves as the equipment ground and is for safety in the event of a fault - ONLY.

   In order to safely derive a 110 V circuit from a 220 V feeder you must have a neutral wire.  The color code should be something like this:  Black & red - hot; white - neutral; green or bare - ground.

   The National Electric Code forbids use of the grounding conductor as a neutral.

   If you aren't sure get an electrician to help you.  Better safe than sorry.

   Fred

3. 
   GregoryPaolini | Jun 11, 2009 02:06pm | #4

   I agree with the others - the ground is for one use only: Ground.

   Even though you can get 120volts by connecting to one of the potentials and a ground, you just don't do it.  Bad things can happen...   

    

   Gregory Paolini

   http://www.GregoryPaolini.com

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Jun 11, 2009 03:55pm | #5

   Thanks for the advice. That's why I double-checked with you guys.JerryFrosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922