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There are several factors: the outlet configuration and connection, the supply wiring, and the breaker. It has been suggested that: :The 240v gauge wire may be thicker than the 120 volt gauge. The 120 is 12 gauge and the 240 is probably at least 10 gauge. The wire itself will probably be okay. The outlet will have to be changed to a regular receptacle. The breaker for that circuit will have to changed to a 20 amp instead of the 30amp or so that it is now. I hope this helps you some. However, this ignores the fact that you can deliver twice as much power at 240v than 120v using the same rating wire and breakers. P= v x i; double the voltage, double the power for the same number of rated amperes. In any event, the cable into the breaker box will have to be disconnected from the two-pole breaker and the black (hot) wire connected to a single-pole breaker (say, 20A), and the neutral (white) wire connected to the neutral bar. There should also be a bare or green grounding wire connected to the grounding (or neutral) bar. The supply wiring must be at least 12 AWG or larger diameter (i.e., a lower number is larger diameter). In an ordinary north American receptacle, the black "hot" wire goes to the narrow slot, the white "neutral" goes to the larger slot, and the bare "grounding" wire goes to the third prong, often via the green screw marked "ground". Local code may dictate exactly how grounding connections are made (i.e., directly from the cable or with green pigtail from metal outlet box connected to the supply ground and the device ground). If possible, install a GFCI for added safety. Needless to say, any necessary rewiring of breakers and outlets should be done carefully by a qualified electrician, and you may need a permit, if not an inspection. It is also possible that someone illegally connected more than one outlet to the same circuit, so you should make sure there are none before any conversion project is undertaken, and account for any "extra" wires in the outlet box.
What else can I help you with?
If your wall receptacle has tripped but not at the circuit breaker how can this problem be repaired?
If the wall receptacle has tripped but not at the circuit breaker, it could be a faulty GFCI outlet. Try pushing the reset button on the GFCI outlet itself to restore power. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the GFCI outlet. Make sure to turn off the power at the breaker before attempting any repairs.
How do you find the circuit breaker switch that controls a damaged outlet?
If the damaged receptacle faulted the breaker would have tripped. All that needs to be done is turn the breaker to the full off position. This will take the breaker out of the trip position and the circuit is truly off. It should not be hard to find the faulted receptacle as it will have some major damage to it and that is what made it short out in the first place. Change it out for a new one and test the circuit by plugging a lamp into it to confirm that the wiring was done properly. When removing the faulted receptacle check the wire colours and positions and install the new one with the exactly the same wire position configuration. If the damaged receptacle is just worn out and they do wear out, plug a light fixture into the worn receptacle. With the lamp turned on start switching the individual breakers off in the distribution panel one at a time. Just switch the breaker off and on and see if the lamp goes out and comes back on. You will probably need help with this part if you can not see the lamp from the distribution panel. When you locate the breaker that controls the lamp, leave it off and change out the receptacle just as they were connected to the old worn out one.
Can you change outlet to fit old 3 prong outlet?
An old 2 hole receptacle can be changed to a 3 hole receptacle that will accept a 3 prong plug, provided a ground wire is available at the box and connected to the ground (green) lug on the new receptacle. A 2 hole receptacle has a hot and neutral wire, while a 3 hole receptacle will require a ground wire connection -- in addition to the hot and neutral wires.
Is there a adapter for a nema 14-30 plug and a nema 14-50 receptacle?
No there are no adapters made for these types of installations. The reason there are no adapters is to provide a factor of safety. To plug a 30 amp plug into a 50 amp receptacle could allow 50 amps to be applied to a 30 amp rated cord. The 50 amp receptacle is more than likely being fed by a 40 amp breaker. Just change the plug cord to match the ampacity of the breaker ahead of the 50 amp receptacle. Or change the 50 amp receptacle and 40 amp breaker to a 30 amp breaker and use your existing cord plug.
Can you convert a 30 amp 120V RV receptacle into a normal 120V outlet?
You can, but your circuit will be "protected" by a 30 amp breaker. So you'll have to consider the safety issues of having wiring and appliances that can draw up to 30 amps before tripping the breaker. Will the wiring and circuity support that much current without damage? If not, then switch to a 15 or 20 amp breaker.
If your wall receptacle has tripped but not at the circuit breaker how can this problem be repaired?
If the wall receptacle has tripped but not at the circuit breaker, it could be a faulty GFCI outlet. Try pushing the reset button on the GFCI outlet itself to restore power. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the GFCI outlet. Make sure to turn off the power at the breaker before attempting any repairs.
How can I change a receptacle?
To change a receptacle, first turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker. Remove the cover plate and unscrew the outlet from the electrical box. Disconnect the wires from the old receptacle and connect them to the new one, following the same configuration. Secure the new receptacle in place and replace the cover plate. Turn the power back on and test the outlet to ensure it is working properly.
Do you need a gfci outlet if you have a gfci breaker?
Not if the GFCI breaker is supplying the circuit you are wanting to put the GFCI receptacle into.
How can I replace a receptacle?
To replace a receptacle, first turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker. Remove the cover plate and unscrew the receptacle from the electrical box. Disconnect the wires from the old receptacle and connect them to the new receptacle, following the same configuration. Screw the new receptacle into the electrical box and replace the cover plate. Turn the power back on and test the outlet to ensure it is working properly.
EXPLAIN WHAT WIRES DO IN A RECEPTACLE?
Wires bring the voltage source to the junction box of the receptacle. At this point they are terminated under the screws of the receptacle. With the receptacle screwed to the junction box and the cover plate installed the outlet is ready to be used. The last thing to do is turn the breaker back on to energize the receptacle.
Can you please provide me with instructions on how to replace a receptacle?
To replace a receptacle, first turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker. Use a screwdriver to remove the cover plate and screws holding the receptacle in place. Carefully disconnect the wires from the old receptacle and connect them to the new one, matching the colors. Secure the new receptacle in place with screws and replace the cover plate. Turn the power back on and test the outlet to ensure it is working properly.
What if you did get paint inside an electrical outlet inside the slot and that outlet is no longer working?
The simple fix is turn the power to the receptacle off, change the receptacle out for a new one. Re energize the circuit and you are good to go.
Why would plugging in an AC unit in a wall receptacle cause the fuse to blow or breaker to trip?
Is the receptacle a 110 or a 220 outlet? If it's a 110, it needs to be a 220. Are there other appliances, lights, etc. wired on the same outlet? If so, you may have to re-wire so that no other appliances, lights, etc. are wired into the same breaker. Usually the larger appliances such as air conditioners, central heat systems are wired to a separate breaker or fuse.
How can I change an outlet?
To change an outlet, first turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker. Remove the cover plate and unscrew the outlet from the electrical box. Disconnect the wires from the old outlet and connect them to the new outlet, following the same configuration. Secure the new outlet in place, replace the cover plate, and turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.
What is the proper electrical requirement for a 30 amp dryer receptacle?
The proper electrical requirement for a 30 amp dryer receptacle is a dedicated 240 volt circuit with a 30 amp circuit breaker and a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet.
How do you find the circuit breaker switch that controls a damaged outlet?
If the damaged receptacle faulted the breaker would have tripped. All that needs to be done is turn the breaker to the full off position. This will take the breaker out of the trip position and the circuit is truly off. It should not be hard to find the faulted receptacle as it will have some major damage to it and that is what made it short out in the first place. Change it out for a new one and test the circuit by plugging a lamp into it to confirm that the wiring was done properly. When removing the faulted receptacle check the wire colours and positions and install the new one with the exactly the same wire position configuration. If the damaged receptacle is just worn out and they do wear out, plug a light fixture into the worn receptacle. With the lamp turned on start switching the individual breakers off in the distribution panel one at a time. Just switch the breaker off and on and see if the lamp goes out and comes back on. You will probably need help with this part if you can not see the lamp from the distribution panel. When you locate the breaker that controls the lamp, leave it off and change out the receptacle just as they were connected to the old worn out one.
How can you determine if you have 110 or 220 volts?
Most residential service in USA has both. In the USA 110 to 120 volts is a given and it would be very unusual not to have 220 to 240 volts. It can be easily tested at main panel with a volt meter. Or as an alternative call your power company.
