Is there a converter to plug into a 220v Dryer outlet so I can use it as 110?

Chez

Looking for a converter to convert a 220v Dryer outlet to be used as 110v without rewiring. Anyone know if this can be done?

Oso954

Not safely or legally.

rjniles

If you live in Canada and have a 4 wire dryer receptacle, Home Depot (Canada) sells a device that will do what you want. If you are in the USA, it is not compliant.

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Oso954

RJ, do you know if that device has a breaker on it ? Or, are you plugging a 15 amp appliance straight into a 30 amp circuit ?

AllanJ

Most dryer receptacles in the U.S. provide both 120 (110) volts and 240 (220) volts because the dryer uses both.

You can make a power strip (portable subpanel) with a cord that plugs into a 120/240 volt dryer receptacle and that has some 120 volt receptacles protected by 15 amp or 20 amp breakers. This cannot be used on a 240 volt only dryer circuit; you may not use ground as a neutral for 120 volts.

You may not have 15 amp or 20 amp rated receptacles connected directly to a circuit that can supply more than 20 amps.

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k_buz

No you can't. A sub panel would need to be hardwired.

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Toller

I hadn't heard that. Does it have a 15a breaker in it? Why isn't it USA compliant?

I don't even have a 240v outlet, but am just curious.

rjniles

I believe it has an inline (internal) fuse to limit it to 15 amps. I was just looking at the HD Canada web site but could not find the unit but I have seen it in the past.

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fa_f3_20

Most North American dryers can be wired to run on 110V. However, as noted, there is no complaint way to do it. Further, it will take forever to dry.

rjniles

Here is that adapter to convert a 4 wire receptacle to a 120 volt 15 amp receptacle.

Noticed it a range recep, converter not a dryer
Sold at Home Depot Canada. Not UL listed.
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/gas-...adaptor/905477

Has internal 15 amp fuse.



Not sure why it would not meet code in US but it would be a useful device.

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Toller

$33 isn't cheap, but I expect an electrician would be several times that; nice device.

I have seen a device that does just the opposite. You plug it into two outlets on opposite legs and it makes 240v. I hope that is illegal everywhere.

dmxtothemax

Is it possible - YES ! but only if it is a 4 pin recepticule !
But it may not be code compliant !
You should not use ground as neutral.
Its basically risky if not done right.
which is why its NOT code compliant.

andrew79

It's a converter listed for gas range applications. I've never seen one before but generally we can only use devices for their intended purpose so plugging anything other than a gas range into it may be illegal as it states its for gas ranges only.

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joed

The receptacle for a dryer is different than a receptacle for a range. Unless you can find an adapter from dryer to 120 that one pictured will not work.
That adapter is only available in Canada. I have been able to find it listed on any USA sites.

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Arketh

The other fact is that Range plugs and Dryer plugs are not the same pin out, due to the different current ratings.