On Fri, 3 Mar 2017 14:24:22 -0600, Sam E
wrote:

On 03/03/2017 12:14 PM, #1 wrote:
On 03/03/2017 12:44 PM, Sam wrote:
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.

You'll need one of those magic transformers that turns a single-phase
input on the primary into a two-phase output on the secondary.


No transformer needed. TWO single-phase lines from the same source
(already 180 degrees out of phase, as needed here).

Now, maybe you can figure out how to get 3 phase.


If it is a dual voltage motor (which most medium sised compressor
motors are) you just need to switch the wires in the motor and change
the plug. HOWEVER the compressor will require twice the amperage at
half the voltage, so unless it is smaller than 2 real horsepower it
will NOT run on a 15 amp circuit, and will quite likely trip a 20 amp
on starting. (which is why I switched MINE from 120 to 240 volts)

There is no "phase issue" at all. There is no such thing as "two
phase" power, at least not in common North American use. All 120 volt
power in north american distribution systems is derived from center
tapped 240 volt single phase transformers except in a 3 phase
distribution system, where you get 120 and 208 (120 across 1 phase,
and 208 across 2 phases of the 3 phase supply).