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This is not recommended. The heater will operate at more than its given specified wattage. A 208 volt heater run off 220 volts will have an output increase by 11.87 percent. Similarly, a 220 volt heater can be run off of 208 but the wattage will be reduced by 10.61%. The calculations, using Ohms' Law, are shown below.

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Watts = volts x amps (W = V x I) and I = W / V so, if we take a 2000 watts heater designed to run on 208 volts, I = 2000 / 208 = 9.6 amps

Resistance = volts / amps (R = V / I) so the heater's resistance is 208 / 9.6 = 21.632 ohms

Amps = volts / resistance (I = V / R) so, running on 220 volts, I = 220 / 21.632 = 10.17 amps

W = 220 x 10.17 = 2237 watts, which is an increase of 2237/2000 = 11.87%.

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W = V x I and I = W / V so, if we take a 2000 watts heater designed to run on 220 volts, I = 2000 / 220 = 9.09 amps

R = V / I so the heater's resistance is 220 / 9.09 = 24.2 ohms

I = V / R so, running on 208 volts, I = 208 / 24.2 = 8.595 amps

W = 208 x 8.595 = 1787.76 watts, which is a decrease of ( 2000-1787.76 ) / 2000 = 10.61%.

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14y ago
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1w ago

It is not recommended to use 240 volts for a heater that requires 208 volts because this can potentially damage the heater or cause a safety hazard due to overvoltage. It's best to use the voltage specified by the manufacturer for the heater to ensure safe and proper operation.

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11y ago

Yes

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The heater will operate over its given specified wattage. A 208 volt heater run off of 240 volt will have an output increase. Ohms law stated that current is directly proportional to the applied voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance of the circuit. A 240 volt heater can be run off of 208 but the wattage will be reduced.

For example if the heater is 5000 watts at 208 volts, the current is I =W/E 5000/208 = 24 amps. The resistance of the heater is R = W/I (squared) =5000/24 x 24 (576) = 8.68 ohms. Applying 240 volts on the same heater whose resistance is 8.68 ohms results in this new heater wattage rating. W = E (squared)/R = 240 x 240 (57600)/8.68 = 6636 watts. This is 1636 watts higher than the manufacturer's safety rating.

W = watts, I = amperage, R= resistance in ohms and E = voltage.

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10y ago

The voltage range that the heater can handle should be marked on the case. The supply voltage must be within that range. Do not run on excessive voltage because the amount of heat produced could be dangerous.

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208 volt heater on 240 volts

The heater will operate over its given specified wattage. A 208 volt heater run off of 240 volt will have an output increase. Ohms law stated that current is directly proportional to the applied voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance of the circuit. A 240 volt heater can be run off of 208 but the wattage will be reduced.

For example if the heater is 5000 watts at 208 volts, the current is I =W/E 5000/208 = 24 amps. The resistance of the heater is R = W/I (squared) =5000/24 x 24 (576) = 8.68 ohms. Applying 240 volts on the same heater whose resistance is 8.68 ohms results in this new heater wattage rating. W = E (squared)/R = 240 x 240 (57600)/8.68 = 6636 watts. This is 1636 watts higher than the manufacturer's safety rating.

W = watts, I = amperage, R= resistance in ohms and E = voltage.

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Q: Can you use 240 volts for a 208 volt heater?
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Can you run a 208 volt device on 240 volts?

Running a device designed for 208 volts on a 240-volt power supply can damage the device due to the higher voltage. It's important to match the voltage specifications of the device with the power supply to prevent any harm or malfunction. Using a transformer to step down the voltage from 240 volts to 208 volts would be a safer option.


What is the maximum volts that can be used on a 208 230 volt motor?

You should not go above 240 volts for that type of motor.


Will a 208 volt 3 phase equipment work on 240 volt 3 phase?

Yes, a 208 volt 3 phase equipment can work on a 240 volt 3 phase system. The equipment may operate slightly outside of its designed voltage range, so it is important to check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure compatibility and safe operation. A voltage converter may be necessary in some cases.


Can you connect 208 volt equipment to 240 volts?

It is not recommended to connect 208 volt equipment to a 240 volt power source as this could result in damage to the equipment or pose a safety hazard. It is best to use the correct voltage power source for the equipment to ensure safe and proper operation.


Do you need a step down transformer to run a 208 volt steam table on 240 volt feed?

Yes a transformer should be used. The steam table needs its correct voltage otherwise on 240 volts it will operate over its given specified nameplate wattage. A 208 volt heating element run off of 240 volt will have an output increase by 75 percent.

Related questions

What is the maximum volts that can be used on a 208 230 volt motor?

You should not go above 240 volts for that type of motor.


What is a 208 circuit?

The 208 volt configuration is one phase of a three phase source at 240 volts, where the 208 volt circuit is connected between the center tap of one 240 volt phase (usually a grounded neutral, in the style of a standard 120/240 split phase system) and the high delta connection on either of the other two phases. 208 circuit would consist of two phases of a 208 volt wye system or could be all three phases. The voltage between conductors would be 208 volts. The voltage to ground from any phase would be 120 volts. A 240 volt delta system would give you a high leg to ground, somewhere around 190 volts and the other two would be 120 volts to ground.


Will a 208 volt 3 phase equipment work on 240 volt 3 phase?

Yes, a 208 volt 3 phase equipment can work on a 240 volt 3 phase system. The equipment may operate slightly outside of its designed voltage range, so it is important to check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure compatibility and safe operation. A voltage converter may be necessary in some cases.


Can you connect 208 volt equipment to 240 volts?

It is not recommended to connect 208 volt equipment to a 240 volt power source as this could result in damage to the equipment or pose a safety hazard. It is best to use the correct voltage power source for the equipment to ensure safe and proper operation.


Can you run a 208 volt device on 240 volts?

Running a device designed for 208 volts on a 240-volt power supply can damage the device due to the higher voltage. It's important to match the voltage specifications of the device with the power supply to prevent any harm or malfunction. Using a transformer to step down the voltage from 240 volts to 208 volts would be a safer option.


Do all electric ovens cooktops ranges and clothes dryers operate on 208v as well as 240v?

No, use only the voltage for the appliance that your utility system is supplying to your residence. If your system is 208 volts use 208 volt appliances. Likewise if the utility system is 240 volts use only 240 volt appliances. 208 appliances on 240 will overheat the appliances and 240 appliances on 208 will not produce the wattages that the manufacturer recommends for cooking and drying.


Can i run a 240 volt water heater on 120 volt?

No. A water heater requires a 240 volt connection and cannot be re-wired to run on 120 volts. There isn't enough amperage in 120 volts to power the heating rods that are inside.


Do you need a step down transformer to run a 208 volt steam table on 240 volt feed?

Yes a transformer should be used. The steam table needs its correct voltage otherwise on 240 volts it will operate over its given specified nameplate wattage. A 208 volt heating element run off of 240 volt will have an output increase by 75 percent.


How many volts can b drawn off a 240 volt breaker?

240 volts maximum.


How can you get a 240V single-phase power from a 120V 3-phase service?

First of all there is no common three phase 120 volt service. There is in North America a three wire 120/240 volt single phase service. That being said, if you want to change a 120 volt source to 240 volts it must be done with a transformer. Its classification is a step up transformer. The primary side of the transformer H1 - H2 will be connected to the 120 volts. The secondary side of the transformer X1 - X2 will be connected to the 240 volt load. The transformer is sized by the current required by the 240 volt load.


Can a 240V baseboard heater work on a 120V outlet?

No, a 240V baseboard heater requires a 240V outlet to operate safely and effectively. Plugging it into a 120V outlet can cause damage to the heater and may pose a safety hazard. It is important to match the voltage of the heater with the voltage of the outlet.


What happens when 240 volt equipment is plugged into a 208 volt source?

It should be ok