Electric motor switch question.

[ricky_arthur]

My new 2 hp single phase is hooked up. I ran a 230v outlet and wired in the motor without problem. One thing I need to double check. I did not wire in an on off switch yet. I've been turning it off at the breaker. Can I simply use a light switch on one leg of the 120 to turn it on and off? I was told I could but wanted to check as I am unsure how only switching one of the 2 hot leads would cut the power? Will that work? Or what kind of switch do I need to interupt both legs? Thank you. I havnt done much with 230v wiring so this is new to me.

 

[PaulBC]

I would get a 2 pole motor rated switch. A normal switch can fail and possibly not function properly, same with using the breaker.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Don't use the breaker. Don't use a light switch. You want a heavy duty ( motor rated) 20 amp switch made for 220VAC ( double pole.. If you switch only one leg the motor is still live even when not running. This is dangerous and a really bad idea.

A "Start/Stop" paddle switch is a good idea.
An alternate is to put a 220VAC single phase motor contactor box at the outlet and any type control switch you want. ( tip - You can usually use a low cost surplus 3Ph, 2-5HP contactor and just use two of the legs. The control line is often 120VAC single phase.)

 

[Cap’n Smudge]

Look for a double pole, single throw (DPST) 20 amp (30 would work also) spec grade switch. Most are rated to 2hp at 240 volts. They typically have HP ratings right on the switch itself.

 

[ricky_arthur]

Gotcha. Thanks.

 

[12345678910]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-...GSW-16/100210997?N=5yc1vZc33wZ1z0u9sfZ1z116az

That sort of thing, but find a higher rating a 2HP rating

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Count, That link shows a DPDT for me. It is also only rated at 10Amps for 220VASC.

I would use this one;
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...ble-Pole-Switch-White-R62-03032-2WS/100356941

 

[12345678910]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-...GSW-16/100210997?N=5yc1vZc33wZ1z0u9sfZ1z116az

That sort of thing, but find a higher rating a 2HP rating

Count, That link shows a DPDT for me. It is also only rated at 10Amps for 220VASC.

I would use this one;
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...ble-Pole-Switch-White-R62-03032-2WS/100356941

I agree, but the DT wouldn't matter - and that's why I said but at a higher rating

just an example to show the style.


I used to be able to find the correct link at home depot



http://www.digikey.ca/product-searc...k=1&rohs=1&quantity=0&ptm=0&fid=0&pageSize=25

 

[BallewBlade]

Thanks for bringing this up, I was wondering the same thing for my 220v motor I'm wiring up soon

 

[ricky_arthur]

Thanks for bringing this up, I was wondering the same thing for my 220v motor I'm wiring up soon

I wired in a double pole single throw toggle switch rated for the motor. pretty straight forward thanks.