How can I convert an air-conditioner power socket (on wall, horizontal prongs) to a normal power socket?

Question

The socket on the wall is three prong, two horizontal prong-inputs and one ground-prong input. Note that this is an Air Conditioner outlet and not a 20 AMP outlet, which is similar. I was to find some way to adapt it for regular 15AMP usage. Because both wires are 'hot' on the air conditioner outlet, this may not be possible. I am assuming that the outlet is 240 volts, though I see terms like 250/208 volts and the like. Also, the casing for the outlets is as such: two regular 15 AMP outlets, and next to them, where there would be usually two more 15 AMP outlets, there is just the one Air Conditioner outlet, which would make sense. Any help would be appreciated. I suspect I'll just have to leave the outlet alone, which seems a waste of an outlet.

(UPDATE: Just to be clear, I'm looking for a plug-in adapter or device to solve this, /not/ a wiring solution; looking for device to transform the power and socket shape into a normal socket shape. Thanks!) The socket on the wall is three prong, two horizontal prong-inputs and one ground-prong input. Note that this is an Air Conditioner outlet and not a 20 AMP outlet, which is similar. I was to find some way to adapt it for regular 15AMP usage. Because both wires are 'hot' on the air conditioner outlet, this may not be possible. I am assuming that the outlet is 240 volts, though I see terms like 250/208 volts and the like. Also, the casing for the outlets is as such: two regular 15 AMP outlets, and next to them, where there would be usually two more 15 AMP outlets, there is just the one Air Conditioner outlet, which would make sense. Any help would be appreciated. I suspect I'll just have to leave the outlet alone, which seems a waste of an outlet.

Answer 1

You cannot buy an adapter to convert your 240v outlet to 120v use in this application. If want to use this outlet, you will have to get it rewired using the existing 120v outlets or rewiring the circuit from the 240v outlet.

Call an electrician if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

Answer 2

In reality you can't. Air conditioning in general requires a 20 amp 240 outlet. If it is a window air conditioner, the label should show the voltage and amperage and if it is 115-120V and 15 amp then you can; however, the 240 is so that the air conditioner will get continuous "juice" as opposed to lights and appliances that you turn on and off frequently. If you change the receptacle/plug to 115 and the unit requires 240 you can damage not only the unit but your electrical system. I'd leave it alone.

Answer 3

Air Conditioner Outlet Types

Answer 4

Yes you can change it to a 120v outlet. 240 is just two 120 lines. Use a outlet with two plug spaces and hookup so each one is 1 line of the 240. Run the black to the brass screw one the top , and the red to the brass screw on the bottom. Run the white to both silver colored screws. Connect the ground wire (bare) to the green screw. You now have two 120 outlets 20 amp.(there usually is a metal bridge on the outlet which must be snapped off to make top and bottom separate circuits)

Answer 5

If you don't have a full understanding of what the outlet actually is then it would be best if you either called an electrician or just left it alone.

Electricity is DANGEROUS, unless you know exactly how it works, leave it to the professionals.

If you start messing with it you can end up creating more problems then you solved.

Answer 6

I think you have us all confused. You have a receptacle cover that would normally contain four regular ol 110V receptacles, but instead of four 110V receptacles, you instead have two (vertically stacked) 110V receptacles and NEXT to them is a 220V receptacle? I would be sure the power is off to everything at that box (220 and 110 off or whatever the case is) and see if you truly do have 220V No. 10/3 (or whatever) wires along with 110V 14/2 (or perhaps 12/2) coming in. Almost any configuration you wish can be done in the box but you need to be certain just what's there. It may be as simple as just removing the 220V wiring (and disabling the 220V breaker) and connecting another 110V outlet. All of this naturally is determined by capacity (wire and breaker). Hope this (kind of?) helps!

Answer 7

Electrical work is NOT my specialty, and although it seems that you have looked into the question on your own... my best advice is to consult a qualified, licensed electrician. Two strong reasons: you probably know enough to turn off the power before attempting the work, but you might have issue with local building code if you were to re-sell your home. Second, the risk of an electrical fire which may or may not happen, is reason enough for me to incurr the expense.

Probably not the best answer you were looking for. Please be careful accepting advice sight unseen in this matter.

Answer 8

I think those big switches you describe may be switch fuses where the circuits fuse actually forms part of the switching lever. If that is the case then may be just a fuse needs replacing inside the switch. If you aren't confident then get someone in, sounds like a really old system. I don't think it will be a loose wire as a ring final circuit will still work as two radials with a loose wire. If you get someone in insist he certifies his work and issues you with a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, signed with nothing left blanc. That will contain the test results as well.