Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Used Gasts

Going from 240 to 120 with a neutral and ground.

It's alternating current either between one leg and a neutral which is 120V, or between the 2 legs that are 240V. 240 needs no neutral, but 120 does. You run the 240 out with much smaller wire (2ga) and bring your 120V neutral from the transformer.

It really is not common for residential services to extend beyond the household, so transformers are quite rare. But, with a lot of people wanting to do long runs, it's usually best to go with the higher voltage run and cut it down at the end, where you will be using it. It was less expensive going this route and the power output of the transformer is quite clean, better than line service.

Whatever you want to do is fine with me.

OK guys - I know very little about juice runs but I will say two country electricians have told me we can do it with #400 or 500 . But I am checking with a friend that is an electrical engineer.
JKB - I appreciate your input it made me recheck and triple check what to do and we still haven't decided.
Rainman - love your truck driver - does he require bonus milkbones like mine?

Bill thanks for the information - that takes some of the pressure off.

One more question - someone is selling ring diffusers are they ok or should we go membrane type. 1/4 acres so what is the best / least aggravating

Some one tell me what to look for.
Thanks , Tom

I would go with the Vertex diffusers. Talk to esshup.

Okay, now I understand. JKB's method simply combines the 2 120Vac leads at the home service drop, drops the need for the neutral wire, adds a transformer to restore your output to what you had originally at the home service drop. I asked because in all my years, I have never seen it done that way, yet in reality, on "long" runs, I suppose it is done that way by the Utility supplier, when adding another service drop from a transformer off the 1200Vac service main lines.

Thanks for finally explaining the how and why of your design, JKB. I understand it completely, yet still believe on THIS run, I'd think a transformer is much more costly than the additional wire, overall. Plus, a user quality transformer is prone to failures much more often than those used by utilities. As far as I can see, the transformer will save a minor voltage loss (assuming there is not already an equal loss on the 240V feeder line), probably cost more, and loses a few total available amps over direct feed.

FinnFur, here is the story of my driver...our now deceased Pondboss Mascot.....

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=193065&page=1

Whichever way works best for the situation. A transformer is just another option.

What a teary eyed story - sorry to hear deceased but his last years seemed like his best ones with a family.
Reminds me of Chocolate lab Spike - he was my favorite/RIP
We have 4 rescue dogs now - love em all but you always have favorites just like children.