transformer

WDR

Would it be aceptable to use a transformer to get 120 volts from a 240 volt three wire line?

Jackofall1

Ha?? 1 line + neutral = 120 Volts

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WDR

I know that, it would work fine with a four wire line but a three wire line has two hots and a ground. The ground should not be used as a neutral.

nap

ever notice there are only 3 wires strung from a pole mount transformer to a house?


What is the situation here? Whose transformer is this?


but to answer the basic question, yes, you can use a 2/1 transformer to drop the voltage from 240 to 120.

rjniles

A 240 VAC circuit with 2 hots and a ground, must be a water heater circuit or an old dryer or range circuit. Assuming it is unused would it not be easier and cheaper to repurpose one of the hots as a neutral?

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AllanJ

A transformer might be the only acceptable way of getting 120 volts from the two wire 240 volt circuit with ground. The transformer would be expensive if it has to supply more than just a couple of amperes.

If none of the wires is white you may not convert the entire circuit to 120 volts.

The standard wiring method has a combined neutral-ground (sometimes neutral-ground-guy) wire running between the house and the utility pole. It is supposed to be grounded on both sides, thus the ground rod (or bonding to water pipe) at the house and also there are (should be) ground wires running down each utility pole to ground rods.

Inside the building, once past the main disconnect switch or breaker, ground and neutral must be separate.

There has been talk bantered about (so far going nowhere) about having 4 conductor regular household (single phase) service drops, the ground being separate.

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WDR

I was wondering about a transformer because I needid 110 for a solenoid valve that would be on a 220 circuit. I looked into getting a 220 coil for the valve but the company has a $50 minimum order and the coil is less than that, I could always run the other wire but was wandering if I could use the transformer since It would save me a lot of wire.

Pistol Pete

Yes, you can do that.

WDR

Okay, Thanks for everyones help.

rjniles

And how much is the transformer you are considering?

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WDR

I can get one for less than $20.