Coverting 220/230 to 110?

I bought an Aprilia dealer sign that is wired for 220 or 230.

It's a metal sign and i think the lights are nothing more than 4' fluorescent tube lights that would be in overhead/hanging shop lights.

Do i need to take the sign apart and see what type of ballast it has, or is it ok to just simply rewire the plug?

I hardwired about 15, 4 bulb, 4' overhead fluorescent lights for 110 in the garage, and didn't think at the time to check the ballast or any other voltage/amp info on the ballast. It doesn't seem to be a problem for the past 10 yrs.

 

Probably safest to check out the ballast and see what it's spec's for, probably can handle 110-230v single phase for use in Europe or US, but can't tell without looking. I would doubt you need U.S. 2-phase 220v for a sign, but never know.

That plug have a spec (code) on it? Not that it's a for sure way since people can put whatever plug they want on something, but may offer a clue.

 

I have a "modern" Texaco sign. I used the original switch and changed out the fixtures inside to take 110.. Used all of the existing holes etc.. It was really easy.

 

If you plug it in you’ll die.

 

I say put a 110 plug on it, hook up the wire whichever way you think looks good, and see what happens.

Or you could be logical and check the ballast first.

 

Nothing on the plug itself other than 'min cord dia .3".

It's 16 gauge/300 v wire.

The back panel is riveted on. The entire light structure is metal. I can't find any screws whatsoever except for the 2 top mounting bolts. The back panel is riveted on. I'm guessing those rivets are holding the lighting/ballasts structure onto the rear panel.

I've no idea how to get this thing apart other than with a whiz wheel.

From my youtube research, it seems like i can just redo the wiring at the on/off switch in my pic with a new 110 cord/plug.

I doubt that a dealer had this wired for 220/230.

 

Someone hacked the plug on.
Look at the wires from the sign. They are EU color code for 120v single phase.
Put a proper plug on it and be good.

https://electricalfundablog.com/wir...iring_Color_Codes_in_Europe_IEC_for_AC_Supply

 

Sweet. Thanks.

 

Set up multiple angles of video when you plug it in. Of both you and the sign.

 

That looks like a 20A/125V plug. Commonly used in hospitals. Not a 220/240V plug. You should be fine with a typical 110/120V plug

 

No

That’s a NEMA 6-20 plug.

 

This is why I always have work...

 

I stand corrected. Looked like a NEMA 5-20 from here

 

Why?
Confusion of the codes?

 

220 single phase Euro is line to neutral
220 single phase US is line to line

 

Getting ready to throw this 15/125 plug on.....still good to go after the above back 'n forth?

 

I’m not a lisc electrician, just a hack who isn’t afraid of volts. A couple things stand out to me here.
I can’t see Ape shipping an incompatible sign to one of their US dealers. Providing you didn’t buy it off eBay-EU.
I’d wire it;
Brn-blk
Blu-wht
Gr/yel-ground
Plug it in and see what happens.
If it goes up in smoke, pull the plug, drill out the rivets and install US spec parts in body.

 

I love this comment. Story of my life.

 

Fire extinguisher on standby.

I bought it from an enthusiast no doubt. Museum of a garage with lotsa cool bikes, planes, antique pumps, cars, etc.....He's an engineer....pilot....engine builder....Could've have been boccarp or his twin for all i know.

 

It works for all of our specialties