How to Wire a 120V Isolator (7 Step Guide)
Content
By the end of this article, you will know how to safely and quickly connect a 120V disconnector.
Connecting and installing a 120 V disconnector is fraught with many difficulties. Improper execution during the wiring process may remove the protection of the air conditioner unit or circuit. On the other hand, wiring a 120V disconnect switch is a little different than wiring a 240V disconnect. Working as an electrician over the years, I have learned a few tips and tricks that I want to share with you below.
Short description:
- Turn off the main power supply.
- Fix the junction box to the wall.
- Determine the load, line, and ground terminals.
- Connect the ground wires to the junction box.
- Connect the black wires to the junction box.
- Connect white wires.
- Put the outer cover on the junction box.
Follow the article below for a detailed explanation.
Before we begin
Before jumping into the 7 step how-to guide, here are a few things you need to know.
If you are not familiar with the trip block, this explanation may help you. The switch-disconnector can disconnect the power supply at the first sign of a malfunction. For example, if you install a junction box between the air conditioning system and the main power supply, the shutdown will cut off the power instantly in the event of an overload or short circuit.
In other words, the disconnect panel is a great protection for your electrical devices.
7-Step Guide to Wiring a 120V Isolator
Below I will show you how to connect a 120V disconnector to an air conditioner for this guide.
Things You'll Need
- shutdown 120 V
- Wire Stripping Tool
- Several wire nuts
- Philips screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
- Electric drill (optional)
Step 1 - Turn off the main power supply
First of all, locate the main power source and turn off the power to the work area. You can turn off the main switch or the corresponding switch. Never start a process while the wires are active.
Step 2 - Fix the disconnect box to the wall
Then choose a good location for the junction box. Place the box on the wall and tighten the screws with a Philips screwdriver or a drill.
Step 3. Determine the load, line, and ground terminals.
Then inspect the junction box and identify the terminals. There should be six terminals inside the box. Look at the image above for a better understanding.
Step 4 - Connect the ground wires
After correctly identifying the load, line, and ground terminals, you can begin to connect the wires. Strip the incoming and outgoing ground wires with a wire stripper.
Connect the incoming and outgoing ground wires to the two ground terminals. Use a screwdriver for this process.
Incoming ground wire: The wire that comes from the main panel.
Outgoing ground wire: The wire that goes to the power supply.
Step 5 - Connect the Black Wires
Find two black wires (hot wires). The incoming black wire must be connected to the right terminal of the line. And the outgoing black wires must be connected to the right terminal of the load. Be sure to properly strip the wires before connecting them.
Quick-Tip: Identifying and connecting the wires to the correct terminals is critical. The success of the disconnector depends entirely on this.
Step 6 - Connect the white wires
Then take the incoming and outgoing white (neutral) wires and strip them with a wire stripper. Then connect the two wires. Use a wire nut to secure the connection.
Quick-Tip: Here you connect the 120V shutdown; neutral wires must be connected together. However, when connecting a 240 V disconnector, all live wires are connected to the appropriate terminals.
Step 7 - Install the Outer Cover
Finally, take the outer cover and connect it to the junction box. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.
Precautions to be observed when disconnecting 120V wiring
Whether you are connecting 120V or 240V, safety should be your top priority. So, here are some security tips that you might find useful.
- Always power off the main panel before starting the connection process. In this process, you will have to strip and connect a lot of wires. Never do this while the main panel is active.
- After turning off the main power, be sure to check the incoming wires with a voltage tester.
- Install the junction box within sight of the AC unit. Otherwise, someone could turn on the shutdown without knowing the technician is working on the device.
- If you don't like the process above, always hire a professional to do the task.
Why do I need a shutdown?
For those who are hesitant about setting a disable, here are some good reasons to disable it.
For safety
You will be dealing with many electrical connections when laying electrical wiring for a commercial business. These connections put a lot of pressure on your electrical system. Thus, the electrical system may fail from time to time.
On the other hand, system overload can occur at any time. Such an overload can damage the most valuable electrical equipment. Or it may cause electric shock. All this can be avoided by installing disconnectors on vulnerable circuits. (1)
Legal Options
According to the NEC code, you must install a disconnect in almost all places. Thus, ignoring the code can lead to legal problems. If you are not comfortable deciding where to unplug, always seek professional help. Given the sensitivity of the process, this might be a good idea. (2)
F.A.Q.
Is an AC shutdown necessary?
Yes, you must install a disconnect switch for your AC unit and it will protect your AC unit. At the same time, a well-functioning disconnector will protect you from electric shock or electric shock. However, be sure to install a disconnect switch within sight of the AC unit.
What are the types of disconnects?
There are four types of disconnectors. Fusible, non-fusible, closed fusible and closed non-fusible. Fusible disconnectors protect the circuit.
On the other hand, non-fusible disconnectors do not provide any circuit protection. They only provide a simple means to close or open a circuit.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to check the power supply of a PC with a multimeter
- How to connect ground wires to each other
- What happens if you connect the white wire to the black wire
Recommendations
(1) valuable electrical equipment - https://www.thespruce.com/top-electrical-tools-1152575
(2) NEC Code — https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/
definition/National-Electrical-Code-NEC
Video links
