[Elecraft] 120V vs 240V

[Don Wilhelm]

  Chuck,

I would not advocate using one side of the 240 volt feed and neutral for 
a 120 volt feed.  If the need is to run 240 volts to the shack as well 
as 120 volts, pull two lines, and put a breaker on each of them.  Yes, 
your "solution" will work with a 3 wire with ground wiring run, but if 
split out to two 120 volt sources, the current on the neutral may exceed 
expectations for the wire size used.

A 240 volt AC run can be made with 2 conductors and safety ground.  A 
120 volt AC run can be made using 2 conductors and safety ground.  If 
you want 240 volts, start with a 240 volt run from the service panel, if 
you want 120 volt service, start with a 120 volt run from the service 
panel.  Do not mix the two (even though it "works").

Your safety is at stake - stick to the NEC requirements and guidelines.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/15/2011 7:25 PM, K4SC wrote:
> If I were going to the trouble to pull the wire, I'd run 220V.  You give
> yourself the option of using a heavier amplifier in the future, and less
> voltage drop (twice as much on 120V).  You can always use the neutral and
> one side for 120V now if you really are stuck on it, and use both side of
> the line, minus the neutral later if you need it.  Remember the amplifier
> output is 600 Watts, the input is well over 1KW.  What do the lights in your
> bathroom do when you or the xyl turn on a hair dryer?  Mine dim.  Same thing
> will happen voltage wise when you key the amp.
>
> Chuck K4SC  Crystal River, FL