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

[Rob Atkinson]

I've seen ham gear running off 240 v. with h.v. supply that has a 240
v. CT primary and 120 v. loads like cooling fans running off one leg
with return connected to the h.v. supply transformer CT as a fake
neutral.


73

Rob
K5UJ

On Sat, Oct 17, 2015 at 11:44 AM, Sheldon Daitch <SDAITCH at bbg.gov> wrote:
> 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

>
>> 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
>