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For USA, Canada and other countries running a 60 Hz supply service.You cannot do this because high power household electrical appliances like dryers do not work like some low power electric razors, phone chargers, etc. which, nowadays, can be plugged into anything from 110 volts to 240 volts.

A 240 volt electric dryer or clothes washing machine always needs to have its own 240 volt socket outlet.

As you asked this question the best advice anyone can give you is to ask a licensed electrician to help you. He would be able to install the correct socket outlet for you to be able to use the 240V appliance - for example a dryer or a washer - by installing a new 240V branch circuit with correctly sized breakers and wiring.

Another answerSmall Transformers are available to power small appliances which draw only small currents. These are mostly consumer devices such as electric shavers; mp3 music players; battery chargers for cellphones, cameras, etc.

But if you are asking how to operate a large appliancethat needs 240 volts (such as a washing machine or dryer) on only 120 volts, it cannot be done.

Why? Because of the very good reason that the appliance was built to run on a 240 volts service and 120 volts is only half that voltage - much too low!

More technical details

If they are appliances that have to use a lot of power, like clothes dryers, kitchen ranges, etc., the answer to this question has to be No.

Apart from International voltage issues, there are good technical reasons why some things made for the US, Canada, or other countries using similar mains supplies, are designed to run on 220 to 240 volts instead of 110 to 120 volts.

The main reason is how much current is needed to get the required amount of power into such appliances that have to use a lot, like clothes dryers, kitchen ranges, etc., because if you double the voltage you only need to supply half the current (Amps) to produce the same amount of power. (Watts or kiloWatts.)

If you tried to use something that was designed for 240 volts on only 120 volts, the result is not that you would get half the power output: you would get only a quarter!

For more information, see the answers to the Related Questions shown below.

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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.

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240V to a standard outlet?

You cannot plug a 240V appliance directly into a standard 120V outlet as it can cause damage or be a safety hazard. You would need a dedicated 240V outlet and possibly a step-down transformer to safely use the appliance. It's recommended to consult an electrician for proper installation.


Can you convert a gas dryer 120V hookup to an electric dryer 240V hookup?

Chances are there is more than 1 outlet connected to the 110volt circuit you are looking to convert. So therefore the easy answer is No. The 240volt dryer circuit must be a dedicated single circuit for the dryer only.


Can you convert an existing 120V plug on an appliance to a 240V plug not speaking of a converter but actually changing the plug so there are no long term effects on the appliance?

If I understand your question, Can you run a 110 appliance off of a 220 volt outlet? You could by only using one leg of the 220. You may also consider changing the outlet. Put in a regular 110 outlet and capping off one leg of the 220 in the wall box. You still have a neutral and a ground to work with. I read this as the questioner doesn't want to modify the outlet. Check the voltage ratings on the device. Many electronic devices nowadays can havdle 120V or 240V as it is cheaper to manufacture one powersupply and sell it everywhere. If your device is rated for 240V, you can put a 240V plug on it. If it only says 120V, no dice. 240V will burn it up.


Can you plug an 120V appliance in a 110V outlet?

Yes, it is generally safe to plug a 120V appliance into a 110V outlet. The slight difference in voltage should not cause significant issues. However, there may be a slight decrease in performance or efficiency of the appliance.


Can you use 120V appliances on a 240V outlet?

Some appliances may work, but I imagine most would either blow a fuse or just burn out. Definately not advised unless you use a transformer. With the right transformer everything should work fine.

Related Questions

What happens if you plug a 120V appliance into a 240V outlet?

You will burn up your appliance!!!!!


In a home has 120v service there is an electric appliance that a risistance of 12 how much power will this appliance consume?

1440 Watts


Can you buy a 120v appliance and use it with a 220v outlet?

A high voltage will certainly damage a low voltage appliance and perhaps set fire to other things nearby.


Can a kitchen stove be on the small appliance circuit?

No, unless it's a gas range. An electric range requires 240V and 40A while a small appliance will be 120V and Max 15A.


How do you turn on an electric fireplace?

Electric Fireplaces are simple to start. Plug them into a standard 120v household outlet and press the power button on the unit; or on the remote control.


What are the fireplaces that are electric called?

They are called Electric Fireplaces. They come in many styles, colors and designs. They can be either plugged into a standard 120v outlet or hardwired to the home at 270v.


240V to a standard outlet?

You cannot plug a 240V appliance directly into a standard 120V outlet as it can cause damage or be a safety hazard. You would need a dedicated 240V outlet and possibly a step-down transformer to safely use the appliance. It's recommended to consult an electrician for proper installation.


Can 120V appliance work with 220V?

120V appliance will not work on 220V. Use an instrument transformer or voltage regulator to adjust the high voltage to the desired level.


Can you convert a gas dryer 120V hookup to an electric dryer 240V hookup?

Chances are there is more than 1 outlet connected to the 110volt circuit you are looking to convert. So therefore the easy answer is No. The 240volt dryer circuit must be a dedicated single circuit for the dryer only.


Can you convert an existing 120V plug on an appliance to a 240V plug not speaking of a converter but actually changing the plug so there are no long term effects on the appliance?

If I understand your question, Can you run a 110 appliance off of a 220 volt outlet? You could by only using one leg of the 220. You may also consider changing the outlet. Put in a regular 110 outlet and capping off one leg of the 220 in the wall box. You still have a neutral and a ground to work with. I read this as the questioner doesn't want to modify the outlet. Check the voltage ratings on the device. Many electronic devices nowadays can havdle 120V or 240V as it is cheaper to manufacture one powersupply and sell it everywhere. If your device is rated for 240V, you can put a 240V plug on it. If it only says 120V, no dice. 240V will burn it up.


Can 240V washer run on 120V outlet?

No.


Can you plug a 115V appliance into a 120V outlet?

Sure, you can technically plug a 115V appliance into a 120V outlet without blowing up your house, but don't expect it to perform at its best. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole - it might work, but it's not ideal. So go ahead, give it a shot, but don't be surprised if your appliance isn't too thrilled about the situation.