[Gearhead2077]

Hey Guys, first post, sorry if it has been addressed before but I couldn't find something similar.

I'm trying to rewire an Atlas Drill Press from 220v to 110v. I see the wiring diagram but I'm confused as the wire that runs to where I will install a plug has two reds and a green. Can anyone explain how I would wire the plug end and the motor end. I've attached photos. Let me know if it would help to number the wires in the photo.

 

[Gearhead2077]

dropbox.com/s/vlbo8cffmvrww55/20200330_184902.jpg?dl=0

dropbox.com/s/qetpef70mv4gf7r/20200330_184907.jpg?dl=0

dropbox.com/s/xn75rkan4j70m7j/20200330_185052.jpg?dl=0

dropbox.com/s/8q6grknr0eic1vb/20200330_185310.jpg?dl=0

 

[Msradell]

It's actually pretty straightforward since you have the wiring diagram. Disregard the fact that you have 2 reds coming from the wall. Connect the black and yellow from the motor with 1 of the reds and connect the red and green from the motor with the other red. The 2 reds will then be the hot leads for the plug. The green from the plug will go to a chassis ground on the motor.

 

[Oldmaster]

Your present cable has 2 phases and an equipment ground. You should
replace one red wire with a white wire. This will be your neutral conductor. You need to establish a neutral connection at the source. Once you do that connect 1&3 to black and 2&4 to white. Green remains the ground.

 

[roughneck]

Yup, as said your 2 conductors coming in would be on black/yellow and red/green. Ground isn’t going to change.

 

[seharper]

We need photos of the other nameplate. The nameplate with the specs of the motor. Horsepower, amps, that kind of thing. That way we can make sure it won't just blow your breaker.

As far as the red wires, you can't wire it that way for 120V. You'll need to get a white #12 THHN wire to replace one of those red wires.

 

[Gearhead2077]

Ok I think I see. I will pick up some wire, does it matter stranded or solid? And then I'll wire it and post it again before I plug it in.

 

[Oldmaster]

Solid or stranded doesn't matter. Stranded is easier to work with.

 

[Msradell]

As far as the red wires, you can't wire it that way for 120V. You'll need to get a white #12 THHN wire to replace one of those red wires.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wiring it with 2 red wires. Yes, I code it should actually have a black, a white and a green but the color of the wire to stuffing to do with if the motor will run correctly or not.

 

[seharper]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wiring it with 2 red wires. Yes, I code it should actually have a black, a white and a green but the color of the wire to stuffing to do with if the motor will run correctly or not.

Red and white would be fine. Red is illegal for a neutral. There is no requirement that hots be black. Color codes are:

- Ground: green, yellow-green, bare
- Neutral: white, gray
- Hot: All others

The practical problem with red=neutral red=hot is that you'd have no idea which one it is! That may matter if there is a switch, a thermal cutout, a capacitor, or if the motor specifies it.

 

[J. V.]

I would put some white tape on one of the reds at both ends, find it in the panel and move it to the neutral bar. Then install a single pole breaker for the other red. Then wire the machine as shown on the machine nameplate.
If you can pull a new white or run a new cable thats what you are supposed to do.

Not compliant. But I would do it here at home.

 

[Gearhead2077]

Thank you all so much! I got the wire and plug and rewired it and it's running like a top! Now to clean the rust off the body and get it looking like new. Thank you all for your help

 

[seharper]

I would put some white tape on one of the reds at both ends...

Not compliant. But I would do it here at home.

Psst, I would too, but I'm too cowardly to actually recommend it online

 

[dmxtothemax]

Get some heatshrink tubing
and sleeve the wires white and black.
easy as, neat, tidy, safe.