110VAC from 220VAC How to?

[SPIKER]

For what you are doing I would suggest a simple generator to run your tools out there at the barn for now. Other solution is to buy a big inverter and plug it into your truck/tractor and get the AC that way.

Otherwise stay away from pulling power from the 240 pump switch. Running a NEW wire and or even a 240 remote sub panel is better and cost is probably similar or more to do it correctly than buying a nice small generator or a big inverter...

Buying generator or Inverter also means you can have portable power anywhere on your property.
http://www.harborfreight.com/engine...-3500-max-watts-gasoline-generator-67560.html
or
http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...uous-4000-watt-peak-power-inverter-95596.html


Mark

 

[mx842]

Just a simple observation that no one mentioned. I would think there should be a disconnect or some kind of simple fused cut off switch within sight of the location where the pump pressure switch is. If it was originally a 220/240v pump installed it is likely the electrician who installed the service did run 4 wires to the disconnect box. If so you could get your 110v out of there. If there is no disconnect and the feed runs straight from the main power panel to the pressure switch I would think this would be some kind of a code infraction or at the very least a safety problem for anyone working on the pump or pressure switch.

 

[speedbump]

I would think this would be some kind of a code infraction or at the very least a safety problem for anyone working on the pump or pressure switch.

The electrical code is pretty much standard nation wide, but not all installations are new installations and inspected as we all know.

A new well in our area has to be up to code to include a disconnect by the well. The ground wire from the main panel has to terminate to the casing if it's steel, which most aren't these days. The green wire must also go to the shell of the pump motor. No other equipment is supposed to be run from that disconnect or circuit. However filtration installers practically always steel power from the pressure switch to run their equipment. These units are almost always installed after the final inspection, so anything goes.

Since all submersible pumps above 1/2hp are 230 volts, the green ground wire is used as a neutral to run filtration equipment.

 

[ultrarunner]

I bought a home built in 1948 and it came with a 1948 electric range.

At that time I guess it was quite common to derive 120 volt from a 240 circuit because the range has 3 wire connection... hot, hot and ground.

The range also has a 120 volt clock and a 120 volt receptacle built into the console.

 

[radioman]

I am NOT an electrician, but from looking at the wires, I would NOT use it for ANYTHING. It appears you need to replace the wire to be safe for the pump it self, never mind the 120V you want to get. If the wires got hot enough to melt the ends, its melted somewhere else.

If you need power for the pump, I would replace it with new up to code wiring and run separate power for 120 as well.

 

[retiredmgn]

Here is a pic of how my well pressure switch is wired.

Before we bought this place there was a 110VAC circuit pulled from the switch out to a old pig pen, but it was disconnected before we got the place. The wire going to the pen, the outlet, light and light switch that the previous ower installed are still there. I need to use some electrical tools there for a few days (skil saw ect).

The circuit to the well pump is 220VAC the wire leading to the pressure switch has a black and white wires and a ground.

How can I connect to my well pressure switch to get a 110VAC circuit (wire going to the pen has 3 wires 1 black, 1 White and a Ground)?

I asked in this thread, but I never really got a warm fuzzy about it.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/221759-110v-off-220v-circuit.html

I just noticed the ground wire from the house to the pump is not connected need to fix that ASAP.

"How can I connect to my well pressure switch to get a 110VAC circuit?"
Simple answer...you don't.
That picture is an abortion gone bad. While an argument can be made that a jury rig has it's place in an emergency situation I have never seen one stand up for real use.
If that pressure switch is working for ya and you're comfortable with it, leave it alone - let sleeping dogs lie. Run a new line.
Me, I'd cut that old crap out of there and do it once, do it right. Saves money in the long run. :2cents:
If something goes wrong with the jury rig you'll definetly get that 'warm and fuzzy'.

 

[speedbump]

I bought a home built in 1948 and it came with a 1948 electric range.

At that time I guess it was quite common to derive 120 volt from a 240 circuit because the range has 3 wire connection... hot, hot and ground.

The range also has a 120 volt clock and a 120 volt receptacle built into the console.

I think that's quite common for Stoves and Dryers. The burners and heating elements run on 230 volt, then the clock and other accessories run on 115 volt.

 

[Qapla]

Many of the older appliances were 3 wire. They worked, but it did not mean they were safe. Newer ones are 4 wire because electronic controllers are a bit pickier then the old clocks and such.

Had to look up Balm, Fl. Wasn't sure just where it is. I live a bit further North off 301 (about 150+ miles).

 

[crazyal]

I think that's quite common for Stoves and Dryers. The burners and heating elements run on 230 volt, then the clock and other accessories run on 115 volt.

I think the point is that since there's no neutral the ground wire is acting as the Neutral too. In this day and age that would be against code.

 

[Johnp33]

I installed a 110 plug in my well to run a heater for the winter, It is not rocket science, I tapped into the black wire and the white wire and grounded it. The sun still rose in the morning the well did not burn down, and the heater worked perfectly.
If you are going to be pulling a lot of amperage, more than the well wiring can handle with the pump running then do not use the water. If one side of the 220 circuit. is overloaded it will trip the breaker.