220/240...

[pslamp32]

Since I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, most induction motors can be fairly easily converted to 220/240v I'm wondering if there is an advantage to doing so. I recently had a 240 circuit added to my basement in anticipation of some tool upgrades and was wondering if converting some of my existing tools to 240 is worthwhile. Thanks!

 

[McRabbet]

A power tool now wired for 120V that can be re-configured for 240V will perform the same and consume the same amount of KwH. You'll be paying for wiring and new plugs with no gain. I suggest you wait until you buy a 240V tool and use the circuit for that. What sized breaker to you have for the 240? Do you have any wiring that was installed? Hopefuly it is #10 AWG so it can carry up to 30 Amps.

 

[pslamp32]

Thanks Rob. Yea I've wired a 3+1 10 guage from my panel to a box in the middle of the basement. Just waiting for the right tool then I'll put in the appropriate breaker and receptacle. I just bought a jointer wired for 115 but wondered if there was any benefit to switching over to 240. Thanks for the info.

 

[Gofor]

I plan to run a 220 circuit (and another 120) into my garage in the near future. My reasoning (which may not apply to your shop) is that my garage only has two 120 circuits (one GFCI for the wall outlets and one non-GFCI for the garage door opener). By running a 220 circuit, I can change my 13A TS, and my 15A air compressor to 220v, freeing up my 120 wall circuit for simultaneously running my 11A shop vac with the TS without a cord dropping down from the ceiling in the middle of the shop, and not worry about the compressor cycling on while I'm running the TS, bandsaw, planer, etc.
So converting to 220 may have an advantage in freeing up 120 circuits, altho it won't save any electricity. (Not to mention it opens the door to bigger, more powerful tools: A-R-R-H!!):mrgreen:

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[junquecol]

Mark, why not put a sub panel in the garage? The labor is the same, and you can add circuits as needed.

 

[Gofor]

Bruce: Thanks for the suggestion

Actually, that will probably be the game plan. The primary house subpanel is already in the garage, but it is full up. The builder cheaped out on the garage circuit, as its only 15A to start with (so I am technically overloading it when I use the TS or compressor, altho neither are pulling the rated amps). All my outside receptacles are also 15A.
I am seriously considering stripping the sheet rock, and doing some changes to the house subpanel as well. The house subpanel is "overloaded" from a code point of view as the total of the breakers on each leg is more than the panel markings allow. In reality, it is not overloaded as there are two circuits that are not used (one for a garbage disposal which I won't install as I am on septic, and one for an outlet in the house "communication panel" for plugging in a modem or wifi, which I won't use as it is set up). However, when I do my wiring I will need a permit, and as I am not rich like the builder, I won't be able to pay off the code inspectors, so I will have to make it right.
First, tho, I have to get with the power company to find out what amp service I have. The main service panel has two breakers: one 125 A to the house subpanel, and one 40A for for the AC. If it is a 200A service, I am okay for what I want to do now, based on actual load, but if I add an exterior workshop, I may have to get another service or upgrade this one.
Bottom line, I still have some homework to do, but sooner or later I will get to it.

PS Sorry for the high jack on this thread.

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