240 v single phase pump motor switching

Thread Starter

GKP

Joined Aug 15, 2014
12
Just a general question. Have a single phase pump motor being switched on off by breaking just one leg, but most pumps and compressor switches that I have dealt with have contact breakers to switch both legs. Is there a reason both legs should be opened?
 

#12

Joined Nov 30, 2010
18,224
In the U.S. the 240 volts is center tapped to Earth ground. That makes both wires hot compared to a person standing on the ground, so both of them are dangerous.
 

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
28,617
As per #12, in N.A. both 240 conductors should be fused and switched, if the 1ph motor is 120v then you can switch the live conductor only.
In UK and most of Europe the 240v supply is 240v and neutral, so only the 240v live conductor can be switched.
You do not show your C.of.O.
Max.
 
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