Conversion of 220 blower motor to 110

[Jamie Meredith]

We recently replaced the air handling unit in our home due to the coil leaking and I kept the old unit because the motor seemed to be fine.

I would like to use the large motor and housing to create a large air filtration unit for my wood shop.

I would like to know if it is possible given the photos attached to rewire this for 110 use. I have 200 A of service available at the panel in the shop, but no outlet or breaker. I realize it is not terribly difficult to wire up a 220 outlet, but would like to explore using 110 instead if I can avoid having to mess with the panel.

The motor indicates that it is a 1/2 HP so I doubt that the 220 requirement has much to do with the fan, but more rather then compressor unit outside (this is a heat pump system). The label also indicates a 3 way switch that I am guessing was controlled by the unit logic board where the thermo wires in, so I would also want to get some kind of switch to add to the motor.

Thanks in advance for you help. Great site!

[jadnashua]

Some motors can be rewired, some can't. While not 100% certain, don't think that one can.

[ActionDave]

I would like to know if it is possible given the photos attached to rewire this for 110 use?......

The motor you have cannot be rewired. You could buy one the same frame size rated for 110V.

[hj]

IF it could be rewired, the rating plate would have had a listing for 120 and the wiring diagram would have detailed how to do it. Yours CANNOT be rewired, unless you take it to a motor shop and have it rebuilt, which will cost more than a new motor. The three speeds are probably selected when it is installed, unless there are multiple wires coming out of it to feed from a remote speed controller. The motor voltage, whatever it is , has NOTHING to do with the outside unit, and there would be no need for a dual voltage motor, or even reversibility, for a dedicated application. A replacement motor, however, might be a multiple voltage unit, aand reversible, just to minimize the variety of models that had to be stocked.

[Jamie Meredith]

Thanks to everyone for their help. I am likely going to just hire our electrician to come in and wire a 220 outlet for this. Electricity is electricity right? LOL That is unless someone here thinks it would be unwise.

I do need to figure out the switch portion. Is there anyone here that would have suggestions on how to convert the current electronic control switch to a manual three speed switch?

[jadnashua]

A switch to adjust the speed would need to be a SPTT (single pole, triple throw) with a break before make contact set. Just like the picture on the motor, one line voltage input would go to the switch with three output contacts for low, medium, high. Make sure you find one with switch contacts rated high enough for both current and voltage - it will cost a bit more, but is required to survive. This would work in conjunction with a DPST wall switch to turn the motor on/off. http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/CAR...575?Pid=search

[ActionDave]

Could you leave the control in and adapt the low voltage wiring to be controlled manually?

[Jamie Meredith]

Possible I suppose. It appears there are a series of relays on the control board. There is also a capacitor I am guessing aids in startup. I am considering just wiring the high side and not worrying about three levels.

[Jamie Meredith]

Then again, I may just scrap the whole thing, sell the motor and spend the money on a good variable speed squirrel cage motor and build my own housing.

[Speedy Petey]

Then again, I may just scrap the whole thing, sell the motor .............

No offense, but good luck with this. Those things are a dime a dozen.
Air handlers are routinely replaced, and the motors are rarely bad. I see more get thrown away than you'd want to believe.