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Can I Install a 120 Volt Hour Counter with a 220 Volt Circuit?

No – you cannot connect this hour counter up as you have described, here are your options to make it work…


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Electrical Question from Kathy about 220 Volt Wiring Diagram – Hour Counter
Background: Kathy, a Homeowner from Oceanside, CA
[ad#block]Question: I have a 220VAC system that I need to add an hour counter to. It is a 2 wire system with both lines having 110VAC, together 220VAC. The hour meter says that it is rated 75 to 270VAC. It says to hook up the AC hot to Pin 1 and the AC neutral to pin 2. I just hook up 1 line to each pin right?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Kathy. No – you cannot connect this hour counter up as you have described because the 220 volt circuit of the vacuum does not have a neutral. So you either need to obtain a 220 volt hour counter or install a separate 120 volt power source to the vacuum unit for the hour counter and install a 220 volt relay which would be used to control the voltage to the hour counter.

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220 Volt Wiring Diagram

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The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
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My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Can I Install a 120 Volt Hour Counter with a 220 Volt Circuit?”
  1. alina says:

    hi dave, just recently bought a wii sports but it says on the ac adapter – input: 120v 52w 60Hz/ output: DC 12v 3.7a. My question is if i can plug it in 220-240 voltage? if not please advise on what of converter should i use to make it work on 220-240v.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Alina, no you should not plug the wii 120 volt power adapter into a 240 volt outlet unless you are using an 240 volt outlet converter or adapter that states that it is safe for electronic devices and meets or exceeds the amperage or watt rating.