Hi, I have some old 220 volt fans. Each motor has three wires- one wire is black and I know that one’s hot. But one of the other wires is purple, and the last wire is orange. Between the purple and the orange, can you tell me which one is the common? Thanks for your help.
When wiring 220 Volt devices it is common to have 2 hots – for the 220 Volts and the other would be a ground which is attached to the frame. The best way to find out which is the ground wire would be to use a continuity meter and see which wire is grounded. Be sure the motors are rated for 60 HZ or Cycle Power. I would get more info off the fan or motor and Google it – then you’ll know for sure.
»You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes!«
Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project.
Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits! Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.
Recent Testimonials
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU! Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts
I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web. George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania
I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring. Bill, from New York City, New York
This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first. Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going. Mike, from Chicago, Illinois
