[Boatanchors] 240VAC appliances and a need for the neutral

[Sheldon Daitch]

Don,

maybe.

Depends on the device.  

If the 240VAC appliance has no 120VAC needs, yes, you could get away without having the neutral.

I have a US built GE range which when marketed for export to the 240/415VAC world, where there is no 120VAC "neutral", the manufacturer adds a small 240/120VAC autotransformer to derive the 120VAC for the small electronics control board.  (I live in a 240/415VAC location, and I know the autotransformer is in the stove - I've had to replace it.)

To the best of my knowledge, the GE washer and dryer we have running on 240VAC don't have transformers, as the motors and timers appear to be 240VAC 50 Hz units.

73
Sheldon



________________________________________
From: Boatanchors <boatanchors-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Donald Chester <k4kyv at hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2015 6:45 PM
To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Boatanchors Digest, Vol 141, Issue 29

> Actually, the 240-volt outlets in our houses are already wired in similar fashion, with the third wire, the neutral,  solidly grounded at the meter and entrance panel. Most 240-volt appliances have a safety ground, but no need for a neutral wire.



Don k4kyv