I have a dedicated 240V circuit for my old electric stove.  I have
changed to gas and only need a 120V circuit.  How can I change this
circuit over to 120V?

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Request for Question Clarification by redhoss-ga on 08 Feb 2005 12:39 PST

Actually what you have is two 120 volt circuits right now. If you take
a voltmeter and check between the two holes in the receptacle exactly
oposite one another you will get 240 volts. If you check between
either one of those holes and the remaining hole (or to a ground) you
will see 120 volts. In your breaker box you will find two breakers
that may be joined together so that they both actuate as one. They are
probably at least 30 amp and maybe even 50 amp. If you really want, I
can explain how I would solve your problem (if it were in my home),
but I am not a licensed electrician and I don't know what skills you
may have. If you don't have a voltmeter, I suggest you get a cheap
one. They are a very handy tool. I use mine quite often.

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Clarification of Question by superraw-ga on 08 Feb 2005 14:19 PST

I found a good answer here from Ben Minshall:  

http://www.faqfarm.com/Home/Electrical/42257

This supports your answer.  I split up the 240V cable to find 1 red, 1
black, 1 green, and 1 white cable and tested them using your method,
which proved indeed there were two 120V circuits.  So I ran two new
circuits from that point, one using the red for hot, the other using
the black for hot.  Obviously I connected the ground and neutral to
both.  Testing at the ends of the new circuits I get 120V at each.  Is
this what you would have done?

Thanks

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Clarification of Question by superraw-ga on 08 Feb 2005 14:21 PST

Oh, I also have a GFCI tester which indicates both of the new 120V
circuits are installed and grounded correctly.

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Request for Question Clarification by redhoss-ga on 08 Feb 2005 14:32 PST

Proper job.

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Clarification of Question by superraw-ga on 09 Feb 2005 02:13 PST

Is there a way to test the Amperage in the circuit?  The breaker in my
circuit panel is not clearly marked.  I do not need any more circuits
other than the two 120V circuits from the 240V circuit.  One goes to
the microwave, the other to the range.  I would prefer i think to
change the breaker in the box rather than install a subpanel.  Thx.

You need a line conditioner http://www.eastwestintl.com/LineConditioner.htm

Or something like this http://www.beststuff.co.uk/voltage_conversion.htm

Unless you have a good reason not to, I suggest bringing in an
electrician to convert the line at the electrical panel and replace
the receptacle with a 120 V one. Most of the transformers in the links
provided above are not rated for sufficient current to run most
kitchen applicances such as toasters, kettles or coffee makers.

As  redhoss-ga mentioned you will have a double breaker in your
breaker box.  As he also said a stove is usually between 30 and 50
amps.  This is to large a breaker for normal 120 service unless is is
a very special appliance.  Normally they are 15 or 20 amps.  If you
simply change the outlet to two 120 volt outlets you should change the
breakers in the box to 20 amps or you could burn up your appliance.

A second option would to creat a "sub panel" at the location of the
stove outlet and then you could run several circuits from there.  This
depends if you need anymore circuits and if you were in the mood to
tear into the wall.  Kitchens should have dedicated circuits for at
least the refrigerator and another for the Microway oven.

Good luck

You should keep in mind that the circuit breaker is intended to
protect the wiring circuit. If you run smaller wire from the 240V
outlet there is a possibility of overloading the 120V wiring. 12GA
wire is rated at 20 amps if the circuit breaker is 30 or 50 amps you
run the risk of melting the 120v wiring circuit presenting a very
scary fire hazard. The suggestion of mounting a subpanel is your best
bet as you can install 2, 15 amp breakers.

If you put a small subpanel in the area where the old stove outlet was
you could safely leave the existing circuit breaker where it is.  The
panel has places for addition circuit breakers let say two 20 amp
breakers.  From there you can simply wire to two oulets say directly
below or above the panel for your two new circuits.  Use  #12 wires. 
You may be able to find a sub-panel box with this already set up,
check with an elewctrical supply store.