In article ,
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replying to SQLit, Sam wrote:
Actually, some 240v motors can be safely run on 120 or 110, but would probably
lack the power necessary to start the motor turning from full stop. It would
be more like putting a little battery in a big truck. It might be able to bump
start, but it is doubtful that it would be able to turn over the engine due to
the lower voltage. So, in some cases, simply changing the plug and adding in a
manual pull start to turn the rotor will allow a 240v machine to operate
properly.. The problem lies with the phases of electricity you are getting.
240v is two alternating phases of 120v. it is possible to wire a 240v outlet
using 2 120v lines with opposite phases. A capacitor generally plays the
role of "bump starter" for 120v machines (by providing that second phase
emulating 240v electricity and turning the motor over the first time) and is
why the wiring needs to be changed. After that there is very little difference
in the performance of 240v and 120v. It is an instant at the start and matters
very little after that. Note, the same thing in reverse is not possible. If
you plug a 120v motor into a 240v outlet, then you will have and immediate and
serious problem. You should try to be less demeaning to others SQLit. There is
no point in being rude and condescending because someone isn't educated about
voltage and wiring.

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for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...0-v-79638-.htm

Outside of this being around 10 years old, the above is very
missinformed advice. The motor would be wired as a single phase 240
volt motor, not some kind of 2 phase 240 volts. I doubt that one would
be hard pressed to find any 2 phase in use in the US unless some very
old factory.

No point in being rude to you as you don't seem to be educated about
voltage and wiring.