What does it mean if 120v/240v is printed on a circuit breaker? Does it mean that the breaker can provide either level of voltage?
If 120v/240v is printed on an appliance, does that mean it can run on either voltage, or that it requires both voltages?
2006-10-09 10:18:29 · 7 answers · asked by tz151 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
You won't find 240 on a single breaker in a home. Industrial panels do have in many cases. The breaker is good for use in either case.
The Indication on an appliance means that it can be used with either source IF THE PROPER JUMPERS ARE WIRED FOR IT!
Most wiring and lighting appliances have an extra wire or two so that in case a certain voltage is the only supply, the correct combination of wires can be connected so the machine will operate at it's best efficiency.
2006-10-09 10:30:08 · answer #1 · answered by norman8012003 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A few have the right idea, but a more correct answer for the circuit breaker: the two voltages indicate the maximum voltage to ground (120V) and the maximum voltage between phases (240V). This is the common residential circuit breaker. A 240V circuit breaker is needed on some 3 phase systems that are 240V to ground. I've never seen just 120V on a circuit breaker, but if there was one it couldn't be used for a 240V circuit (like your stove).
Like others said, on the appliance it can run on either voltage, but wiring changes could be needed to make that happen. Motors that can be wired to either 120V or 240V are common.
2006-10-10 01:55:02 · answer #2 · answered by An electrical engineer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A circuit breaker listed as 120/240, can be used on either a 120 or a 240 V circuit. You need two breakers for a 220 V circuit, one for a 110 V circuit.
An appliance listed as 120/240, can be operated on either voltage, but internal wiring changes have to be made.
2006-10-09 10:28:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Appliances that are listed 120V/240V operate on either, possibly requiring a switch before changing voltages. In contrast, applicance listed 120-240V (n.b. hyphen instead of slash) usually switch automatically when plugged into one or the other source. Many AC adapters such as those for laptops or battery chargers are of this type.
2006-10-09 10:32:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
120v/240v means that when a leg goes to ground, it has a fault current only at 120volts. A circuit breaker rated for 240 means that each leg can have 240 volts when it has a fault current. You won't see a 240 fault unless you're in a commercial or industrial setting. Standard utility for residents is 120/240. 240 is when you have hot to hot. But it's still only 120 each leg.
2006-10-13 09:51:07 · answer #5 · answered by The C man 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no if runs 120 that's what in runs on you will have switch over for higher voltage
2006-10-09 10:21:17 · answer #6 · answered by Andy K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-13 05:10:52 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋