How to convert a 240 volt power outlet to a 120 volt power outlet?

Answer 1

Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.Do this electrical work only if you feel confident that you can do it safely. If not then this is the procedure that an electrician would use and you would be able to follow what he is doing. Again an electrician should be your first choice.

If you consider doing this the first thing is SHUT THE MAIN BREAKER OFF. Use an auxiliary light source to see when working in a dead panel. Always keep in mind an ARC FLASH ACROSS HOT MAINS HAS ENOUGH HEAT TO PEAL THE SKIN OFF OF YOU.

Before an explanation of how to do this you should keep in mind that this is for a single receptacle only. If any other receptacles are on the same circuit they will also be changed to 120 volts.

The existing two pole breaker in the distribution panel that is to be replaced should not have a larger rating than a 15 or 20 amps. The wire size from that breaker will be #14 or #12 respectively. The final results of this project will leave you with a 15 amp 120 volt receptacle and one spare 15 amp breaker in the distribution panel.

That said, OK, any 240 volt outlet can be changed to 120 volt by removing the white wire from the 2 pole breaker and inserting it into the neutral bus bar. Remove the other wire (probably black) from the breaker. Remove the 2 pole breaker from the breaker panel. Install two single pole 15 amp breakers into the hole left by the 2 pole breaker. Leave both of these breakers turned off.

Connect the black wire that came off of the 2 pole breaker on to one of the new single pole 15 amp breakers. Re install the cover to the electrical panel, this end is finished. At the old 240 volt receptacle, remove the existing device and install a new 120 volt receptacle.

Materials can be purchased at local building supply store. Remember to take the electrical panel data with you so you have the information for the 2 new breakers. Once you have the new 120 volt receptacle installed, identify on the electrical panel door what the breaker is used for. Leave the unused breaker in the off position. Turn the new 15 amp breaker on. Turn the main breaker back on. Test the new receptacle with a lamp to make sure every thing is OK.

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You can't, you have to install a separate 120 volt circuit breaker and run a new 120 volt cable of the correct size from the breaker box or fuse box panel.

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By asking this question you probably aren't quite ready to take on this particular task.

That you asked this question here shows that you don't already know your local Wiring Codes or Regulations so don't know how to calculate the correct wire size to use for the length of run from circuit breaker to power outlet.

Really, don't do this one yourself. Electricity is far too dangerous to handle if you don't already know your local Wiring Codes or Regulations or you have not been trained how to do this work.

For your safety and that of anyone else who may to use the 120 Volt appliances, ask a professional licensed electrician to advise you or to do the work for you.

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How to do this job depends entirely on the Wiring Codes or Regulations for the locality (Town/State) and on the exact location of the appliance you wish to hook up: if it is in any place subject to water splashes or spray - such as in any room supplied with running water pipes, like a kitchen, bathroom, shower room, etc., or in a pool-side area - the codes specify that special precautions must be taken.

Depending on where your home is, it may be illegal to attempt to do this kind of work unless you are already a licensed electrician.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.