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John Santos

In article ,
ac says...
On Thu, 1 Jul 2010 12:21:21 -0700 (PDT), 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 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.

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

I told hime that I knew where to post this question having seen days
of posts on similar Electrical (S.O.T. - somewhat off topic) posts
with some folks who appeared to know their stuff providing links to
references and resources.

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?"

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

Thanks for reading. Please reply to author.

I'll do my best to simplify the answer.

[...]

This is particularly important to know when buying power tools --
which side of the globe did they come from? If you get an Australian
saw, for instance, it will turn backwards if connected to a US
generated 120 volt source. Sure, you can buy backwards blades for it,
but that is an unnecessary burden.

This is idiotic. How could anyone believe such a stupid thing? Just
buy an ordinary American blade and flip it around! Anyone who tells
you different is just trying to rip you off.

The teeth will be pointing backwards, but that's fine. Just remember to
feed from the back of the table saw, from the motor side for a
contractor
saw, cabinet and hybrids are even easier. (You'll probably have to
chuck out the blade guard if you can find it, unless you have one of
those ones suspended from above by a long arm. Those are easy to turn
around.)

--
John