Use 240v Hot as Neutral


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Old 03-14-18, 08:55 PM
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Use 240v Hot as Neutral

Hello,

I've recently removed a wall oven from my kitchen that had a dedicated 240v circuit (two hot wires, and a bare ground, no neutral). I would like to change it to a 120v and put my refrigerator in that spot in the kitchen. As there isn't a neutral currently, I was thinking I could take the red-hot wire and hook it to the neutral bussbar in the service panel and use it as neutral for my new 120v fridge outlet. I would mark the wire on either end with white tape or something to show I'm not using it as hot anymore. The other hot (black) wire attach to a new 20a single pole breaker. Just looking for some guidance if I'm off track or not. Thank you.
 
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Old 03-15-18, 12:00 AM
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By code a neutral must be factory white or gray. It can only be remarked if it is larger than #6. Isn't there a countertop receptacle nearby?
 
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Old 03-15-18, 05:01 AM
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Ray2047,
If code allows a white or gray colored insulation for the neutral wire, it appears the color has nothing to do with the wire's electrical characteristics. Why can't a white or gray wire (same electrical characteristics as the black /red wire) be pigtailed to the end of the black or red wire to make the neutral connections?
 
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Old 03-15-18, 07:04 AM
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If it's a multiconductor cable the conductor color must be continuous for the entire length. There is an exception for marking the ends when maintenance and supervision is ensured by a qualified person NEC 200.6(E) Exception #1
 
 

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