In article , Hoosierpopi wrote:
I was asked today about a motor stamped 240VAC. I kept saying 220
volts and my neighbor would interupt and remind me it said 240 VAC.

I told hm that I didn't think it mattered

True.

and that I'd never heard an
explanation of why we see stuff rated at 240 VAC when most of our
homes seem to come standard with 220 VAC and 115VAC.

Because our homes *don't* "come standard" with 220 and 115 VAC. It's at least
240/120 now. It never was 220/115 -- the lower voltage is always half the
higher voltage. Measure what's coming in at your service entrance panel.
Between the two hot legs, you'll see somewhere between 240 and 250; from
either hot leg to ground, half that.

I've heard 120VAC bandied about and figure those two legs make up the
240VAC.

Exactly.
[...]
So, if one og those folks is reading this, please respond and tell me
what gives with the 220 vs. 240 VAC. Can we ignore the minor
difference and usethese motors on "220" or "240?"

Yes.

FYI - The motor in question did not indicate it was a dual 120/240
voltage motor - it just said 240!

That means it can run only on 240VAC. Some motors can run on either voltage,
but you have to change the position of a jumper wire to make the change. This
one can't.

Thanks for reading. Please reply to author.