Re: Is it possible to combine two AC power circuits to double current? (limited household current problem)

From: Chris (cfoley1064_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 02/17/05 

Date: 17 Feb 2005 14:49:49 -0800

mjp.metals@gmail.com wrote:
> I'm in a situation where I need around 20-24 amps continous of 110V
> (for a milling electric motor), but my strongest circuit in my
breaker
> box is 20 amps. I have 3 15 amps and 2 20 amps. Is it possible to
> have the AC circuits in parallel somehow to be able to safely
> (relativly) use the combined currents? What hardware would I need?
Am
> I concerned with the ac cycles being off in some way?
>
> Any other ideas?

Hi. Many electrical motors are made to be wired for either 120VAC or
240VAC service. If you're not interested in hiring someone to upgrade
your service, it may be easier to look at the motor and see if you can
rewire it. If the motor requires 20-24A @ 120VAC, it will only require
10-12A @ 240VAC if it is a motor of that type. Then, if you have
240VAC @ 15A or 20A service available in your work area, you can just
plug it in.

I had to do this once for a motor I needed to run in a basement. They
happened to have a 240VAC outlet available at their electric dryer, so
there was no problem.

DO NOT put AC circuits in parallel. It's not a good idea, even if you
don't accidentally short phases.

As has been mentioned in several other responses, if you don't know
what you're doing with line voltage, let someone else who does give you
a hand.

Good luck
Chris

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