Converting EVERYTHING to 220v - can it be done?
- Thread starter sikpupy
- Start date
mojo46825
Member
not easily, You could if you get a step down transformer to go from 220v to 110v. That would be about only way I would do it. You will have two hots and a ground. You would still want to pull a common if you wanted to split up the 220 into two 110v circuits. That would work as well.
wattsupdoc
Active Member
IMO, the savings going to 220v, would not be very much. Maybe a few dollars a month? Unless you have a really big system it is not going to be cost effective to do so. While some things do become more efficient at doing the work they are designed to do at higher voltages, other things do not really. Even things like your pumps for water movement don't become that much more efficient. Of course though if you are just acquiring the equipment for a new setup, can get it at the same price as it's 120v counterpart, are willing to spend the extra cash involved for the gfci protection that would IMO be necessary to run a tank 220, then all the additional costs for the devices needed to connect it all 220v., be willing to be limited to only using things that will be compatible with 220v, then go for it. But you will still only save 5 or 10 bucks a month or so, if that. Likewise you could utilize a 4 wire circuit and run some stuff 220, other stuff 120v. This would make things more flexible, but savings less(slightly) though you would still have some costs involved elsewhere.
jimvette1
Member
Originally Posted by sikpupy
http:///forum/post/2683734
I have a 220v plug I can use. I want to run 220v to power heads, skimmer, lights....etc. Do they make all the items i need for my tank easily accesible to buy in 220v (thats eroupe voltage i belive)? If i convert everything to 220v, how much of a savings am i looking at?
IMO I think you would have a hard time trying to find power heads and skimmers. Lights and pumps are realistic but still hard to find.
Lights (MH) can be purchased with multi-tap ballast. (120/240/277/480v)
Fluorescent lights, are 120v or 277v (277v will not work on a 220v.circuit)
Pumps can be purchased 120/220volt.
How much savings?
Figure added cost of the duel voltage products you are buying and then figure payback time.
Also figure cost of very expensive 220v. GFCI breaker.
IMO not worth the time or trouble.
And MOJO I don't believe sikpuppy wants to convert to 110v. thru a step-down transformer, I think he wants to run everything at 220v. to save some money.
http:///forum/post/2683734
I have a 220v plug I can use. I want to run 220v to power heads, skimmer, lights....etc. Do they make all the items i need for my tank easily accesible to buy in 220v (thats eroupe voltage i belive)? If i convert everything to 220v, how much of a savings am i looking at?
IMO I think you would have a hard time trying to find power heads and skimmers. Lights and pumps are realistic but still hard to find.
Lights (MH) can be purchased with multi-tap ballast. (120/240/277/480v)
Fluorescent lights, are 120v or 277v (277v will not work on a 220v.circuit)
Pumps can be purchased 120/220volt.
How much savings?
Figure added cost of the duel voltage products you are buying and then figure payback time.
Also figure cost of very expensive 220v. GFCI breaker.
IMO not worth the time or trouble.
And MOJO I don't believe sikpuppy wants to convert to 110v. thru a step-down transformer, I think he wants to run everything at 220v. to save some money.
salty blues
Active Member
You're not really using less power anyway. Sure, 220v devices draw half as much current, but that is per each "hot" conductor. A 220v circuit uses two "hots", so you're still drawing the same amount of(total) current.
The real advantage of 220v circuits is allowing smaller size conductors to be used in the circuit.
The real advantage of 220v circuits is allowing smaller size conductors to be used in the circuit.
wattsupdoc
Active Member
Originally Posted by salty blues
http:///forum/post/2683868
You're not really using less power anyway. Sure, 220v devices draw half as much current, but that is per each "hot" conductor. A 220v circuit uses two "hots", so you're still drawing the same amount of(total) current.
The real advantage of 220v circuits is allowing smaller size conductors to be used in the circuit.
This is mostly true , but pumps and other equipment do slighty better at higher voltages. Not all equipment does, but even then the efficiency is nominal at best. Savings is dependant on several factors, but if you save 5 bucks a month on your typical tank I would be impressed.
I'm sure 220v powerheads/pumps are real popular in europe.
http:///forum/post/2683868
You're not really using less power anyway. Sure, 220v devices draw half as much current, but that is per each "hot" conductor. A 220v circuit uses two "hots", so you're still drawing the same amount of(total) current.
The real advantage of 220v circuits is allowing smaller size conductors to be used in the circuit.
This is mostly true , but pumps and other equipment do slighty better at higher voltages. Not all equipment does, but even then the efficiency is nominal at best. Savings is dependant on several factors, but if you save 5 bucks a month on your typical tank I would be impressed.
I'm sure 220v powerheads/pumps are real popular in europe.
sikpupy
Member
Well then, why is it that there is so many mentions of using 220v (if one can) everywhere I look? Well, sh*t, I was hoping running a big arse pump and metal halides on 220v would save me enough to where it was like I was using the smaller 110v low watt pump and T5's or something. What a bit*h tease that was, grrrrrrrrr, lol.