110/220 convertibility
Louis, Greg and DADoES:
I had a late 60's GE Electric dryer that was MADE to be used on either voltage. (The timer, of course stretched past 120 minutes) There was also a resistor involved. The heater would simply have one leg moved to the neutral connection (instead of each end on a hot/live)
I would not try it, but MAYBE the heaters can be reduced to 110/120. Chances are the amperages may get too high for a normal 120 volt 20 amp circuit, if multiple heaters are used simultaneously.
Theory follows:
OHMS LAW: (resistance)
E = I x R
1) Volts (Electro-motive force) = Current (Amps) x resistance
2) Volts X Amps = Watts, therfore Watts/Volts= Amps
2) 5,500 watts heater/240 volts = 22.9 amps
3) 240 = 22.9 x (?)
4) Restated, E/I =R
5) If we solve for R, Resistance = 10.48 Ohms.
Now to find amps (or watts) when used on 120 volts
1) E= I x R, therefore E/R =I
2) 120 volts / 10.48 ohms = 11.45 amps
3) Volts X Amps = Watts
4) 120v x 11.45a = 1,374 watts
the heat input would then drop drastically!
My electric range (one of three stoves actually!!)
has an extra-large element (9 inches or 22.5cm) [NO JOKES!!]that has a switch to convert it from 240v to 120v => "normal" high-powered element to "simmer-burner" (Slow heating)
I myself would love to see a gas-heated combo!!! or even a condenser dryer version!!
Man, I should get paid by the word.. LOL.. another novel!!
