Balboa VS504SZ Spa Circuit Board — G1153 (Serial Standard, VL Series)

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Balboa 500Z-Series operation guide (PDF) — start-up, filter cycles and panel functions for VS and GS 500Z to 521Z systems with VL200 to VL406 panels

📄 Balboa VS504SZ Tech Sheet — Official Manufacturer PDF (55370-01_A) — Complete wiring diagram, DIP switch definitions, jumper descriptions, panel configurations, ozone connection diagrams, and Persistent Memory reset instructions

💡 Balboa VS504SZ Spa Circuit Board — G1153 (Serial Standard, VL Series)

Reliable 2-speed pump control, 4.0kW heating, and full VL panel compatibility — the genuine Balboa VS504SZ replacement PCB for hot tubs without a perimeter light circuit

🔌 Product Overview

The Balboa VS504SZ Circuit Board (G1153) — formerly part number 54638-01 — is the genuine Balboa Water Group main PCB for VS504SZ spa control systems. It belongs to Balboa’s popular and long-running VS (Value Series) platform, built around a compact feature set perfectly matched to single and dual pump hot tubs that use Balboa’s Serial Standard VL-series topside panels.

This board delivers precise control of a 2-speed primary jet pump (Pump 1), an optional single-speed secondary pump (Pump 2, enabled via DIP switch A3), an optional circulation pump, an ozone/UVC generator, a 12V spa light, and audio/video connectivity — all managed through Balboa’s M7 Technology, which eliminates the need for an external pressure switch. A standard 4.0kW heater operates at 240VAC, with temperature control and system programming accessed through the VL701S or VL700S Serial Standard topside panel.

⚠️ Important Limitations:

• This board supports a 12V standard spa light ONLY — it does not support perimeter lighting circuits.
• This board is compatible with Serial Standard VL-series panels only (VL701S, VL700S). It is NOT compatible with Deluxe (DZ) panels or TP-series panels.

The VS504SZ board is found in spas made by Artesian Spas, Coleman by MAAX, Clearwater Spas, Hawkeye, and Coast Spas, among others — and ships with a Plug-n-Click heater adapter (PN 25696). If retaining an existing heater, the copper strap must be removed and adapter PN 25263 (60-138-1040) used.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 2-Speed Primary Pump (Pump 1) — 120V or 240VAC, 2-speed control; serves as both the heater pump (low speed) and main jet pump (high speed) — configurable for circ pump operation via DIP switches A5 + A9

✅ Configurable Secondary Pump (Pump 2) — Optional 1-speed Pump 2 enabled via DIP switch A3; connects to terminal J17/26 — adds a second jet circuit with panel button control

✅ Optional Expansion for Blower or Third Pump — DIP switch A7 enables an optional expander board: use X-B expander for a blower, or X-P / X-P231 expander for a 1-speed Pump 3 (X-P231 for higher amperage requirements)

✅ Optional Circulation Pump — Single-speed circ pump supported via J47 when DIP switch A9 is ON; voltage must match ozone output

✅ 4.0kW Heater at 240VAC — Integral 4.0kW Incoloy heater element at 240VAC; approximately 1kW when operating at 120VAC

✅ M7 Technology — No Pressure Switch Required — Built-in flow and pressure sensing; eliminates the need for an external pressure switch or flow switch, reducing installation complexity and failure points

✅ Genuine Balboa OEM PCB — Factory-new G1153 board with chip VS504SZR1(x) and software version 43; correct relay ratings and firmware for VS504SZ control systems

✅ 12V Spa Light Control — Standard 12V spa light output (J12); also supports Mood EFX and Fiber EFX lighting accessories via the spa light terminal

✅ Ozone / UVC Output — Configurable for 120V or 240V ozone generator via W2 wire; voltage is field-adjustable — must match circ pump voltage if circ pump is installed

✅ Audio/Video (A/V) Output — 120VAC stereo connection for spa entertainment systems

✅ Serial Standard Panel Compatible — Works with Balboa VL701S (PN 52298-01) and VL700S Serial Standard topside panels; aux panel support for VX20 (2-button) and VX40S (4-button)

✅ Includes Plug-n-Click Heater Adapter — New boards ship with PN 25696 Plug-n-Click adapter; copper strap removal from existing heater is required

✅ 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty — Backed by Balboa Water Group’s standard 1-year limited warranty

📊 Technical Specifications

⚠️ US Voltage Note: This board requires 240VAC / 60Hz North American residential service with 4-wire connection (hot, hot, neutral, ground) and Class A GFCI. Always confirm your spa’s electrical configuration before ordering.

⚠️ Voltage Rule: Ozone output and Circ Pump (J47) must be the same voltage. The ozone voltage is set by W2 wire: Red AC = 240V, White AC = 120V. Changing ozone voltage also changes circ pump connector voltage — all equipment on that output must match.

🔧 Parts and fittings for this

Commonly replaced parts

Parts commonly replaced on this item that we stock.

🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Board Replaces These Part Numbers

Part Number	Description
G1153	Current Balboa manufacturer part number
54638-01	Former Balboa PCBA — base part number
55370-01	Balboa complete control system
55372	Balboa system variant
33-54638-K	Hydro-Quip kit number
54637-01	System VSP-VS504SZ-DCAH
55636	CS504SZ System
55637 / CS504SZER1X	CS504SZ variant
55257 / 55258	MX504SZR1A system / board (confirm topside panel compatibility)
55174 / 55173-01	Artesian Spas MVS504SZ
33-0612-08CB	Artesian Spas (6-button panel config only)
OP33-0612-08CB	Artesian Spas (6-button panel config only)
107-961 / 107961	Coleman by MAAX control system
107-068 / 107068	Coleman by MAAX system with heater
3-60-6033	Cross-reference
10-175-4638	Cross-reference
22972_e2	PCB board reference
MVS504SZ / MVS504SZR1B	Artesian Spa OEM board designation
MX504SZ / MX504SZR1A	Board variant (confirm topside compatibility)
VS504SZR1A / VS504SZR1B	Chip designations
VS514SZR1A	Chip designation — replaced by this board

⚠️ Panel note on CS504SZ, Artesian (33-0612-08CB), and MX504SZ replacements: Compatible only with the 6-button configuration of the topside panel. Confirm button layout before ordering. Do NOT order based on board appearance — always match by chip number and part number.

Compatible Spa Brands (Select Models)

Brand	Details
Artesian Spas	MVS504SZ (OP33-0612-08CB, 33-0612-08CB, 55174, 55173-01)
Coleman by MAAX	Control system 107-961/107068 — includes some pack-only models
Clearwater Spas	Select VS504SZ-equipped models
Hawkeye	Select VS504SZ-equipped models
Coast Spas	Select VS504SZ-equipped models
Vita Spas	Select models — verify chip number
California Cooperage	Select models — verify chip number

Compatible Topside Panels

Panel	Part Number	Type
VL701S	52298-01	Serial Standard — primary (recommended)
VL700S	Contact Parts4Tubs for PN	Serial Standard
VX20	—	2-button auxiliary panel (when A3 is ON)
VX40S	—	4-button auxiliary panel

⚠️ This board is compatible with Serial Standard VL panels ONLY. It will NOT work with Deluxe (DZ) panels, TP-series panels, or any panels designed for a different VS model. Always verify the panel type before ordering.

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🎛️ Board Functions & Controls

Pump Configuration Table (DIP Switches A5 + A9)

A5	A9	Circ Pump Mode	Pump 1 Speed
OFF	OFF	Non-circ mode	2-Speed
ON	OFF	Circ — acts like Pump 1 low (filters/polls/etc.)	1-Speed
OFF	ON	24-hour with 3°F shutoff	1-Speed
ON	ON	24-hour with 3°F shutoff	2-Speed

Heater vs. High-Speed Pump Table (DIP Switches A2 + A10)

A2	A10	High-Speed Pumps Allowed Before Heat Disabled
OFF	OFF	0 — heat disabled with any high-speed pump
ON	OFF	1 high-speed pump
OFF	ON	2 high-speed pumps
ON	ON	3 high-speed pumps

DIP Switch Reference (Switchbank A)

Switch	OFF Position	ON Position
A1	Test Mode OFF (normal)	Test Mode ON
A2	See heater/pump table above	See heater/pump table above
A3	Pump 2 (J17/26) disabled	Pump 2 (J17/26) enabled (1-speed only)
A4	Aux Freeze — must be OFF	Do not set ON
A5	See pump/circ table above	See pump/circ table above
A6	60Hz operation (US — default)	50Hz operation (CE markets only)
A7	Expander board disabled	Expander board enabled (Blower or 1-speed Pump 3)
A8	Temperature in Fahrenheit	Temperature in Celsius
A9	See pump/circ table above	See pump/circ table above
A10	See heater/pump table above	See heater/pump table above

Panel Button Assignments (VL701S, Setup 1)

Button	Function
1	Mode
2	Temp Up
3	Temp Down
4	Light
5	Pump 1
6	Pump 2 (when A3 is ON)
7	Expander board equipment (when A7 is ON)

Key Jumpers

Jumper	Function
J12	Factory set — DO NOT MOVE. Pins 1–2 = VS51x/VS52x/VS5xxSZ/VS5xxDZ software. Pins 2–3 = VS50x software. The G1153 ships with Pins 1–2 for VS5xxSZ mode.
J43	Both pins during power-up = Persistent Memory reset. 1 pin only = memory retained.

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⚙️ Installation Requirements

⚠️ IMPORTANT: All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 680 and all applicable local codes.

Pre-Installation Checklist

• [ ] Verify existing board chip reads VS504SZR1 (any suffix: A, B, or later)
• [ ] Confirm spa uses a Serial Standard VL-series topside panel (VL701S or VL700S)
• [ ] Photograph or record all DIP switch settings from the existing board (Switchbank A)
• [ ] Note W2 wire position (ozone voltage: Red AC = 240V; White AC = 120V)
• [ ] Note all jumper positions (especially J43)
• [ ] Check whether spa uses circ pump — if yes, DIP A9 must be ON
• [ ] Check whether Pump 2 or expander board is installed — note A3 and A7 settings
• [ ] Disconnect ALL power at the circuit breaker and GFCI before starting
• [ ] Photograph all wiring connections before disconnecting anything
• [ ] Allow capacitors to discharge — wait at least 5 minutes after power-off
• [ ] Prepare heater adapter 25263 (60-138-1040) if retaining the existing heater

Electrical Requirements

Requirement	Specification
Supply Voltage	240VAC / 60Hz
Service Amperage	40A
Circuit Breaker	50A maximum
GFCI Protection	Class A GFCI required — NEC Article 680
Service Wiring	4 wires: hot (black), hot (red), neutral (white), ground
Ground Connection	Equipment grounding and bonding — NEC Article 680
Terminal Torque (TB1)	27–30 in. lbs.
Minimum Wire Gauge	Use copper conductors rated for the supply amperage
Dedicated Circuit	Required
Disconnect	Within line of sight of spa, minimum 5 ft from water (NEC)

Critical Post-Wiring Steps

1. Set Switchbank A DIP switches to match original configuration (or spa manufacturer spec)
2. Ensure DIP A6 is OFF for 60Hz North American service
3. Set A9 ON if circ pump is installed
4. Set A4 to OFF (Aux Freeze — must remain OFF)
5. Set W2 wire for correct ozone voltage (Red AC = 240V; White AC = 120V)
6. Reset Persistent Memory (J43 both pins during power-up) after any DIP switch change except A1
7. Remove jumper from J43 (or move to 1 pin only) after memory reset

💡 Tip: The Setup number label inside the control box lid will show the factory configuration. Photograph it before removing the old board. After installing the new board, reconfigure all DIP switches to match — then reset Persistent Memory so changes take effect.

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🛡️ Safety Warnings

Electrical Safety:

• ⚠️ ALWAYS disconnect ALL power at the circuit breaker and GFCI before any work
• ⚠️ Installation MUST be performed by a licensed electrician only
• ⚠️ This board requires 240VAC / 60Hz with 4-wire connection — verify before connecting
• ⚠️ Class A GFCI protection is mandatory per NEC Article 680
• ⚠️ Use copper conductors ONLY — no aluminum wiring permitted
• ⚠️ A dedicated circuit and disconnect within line of sight of the spa are required by NEC
• ⚠️ Never operate spa with the control box cover removed

Board-Specific Warnings:

• ⚠️ Copper strap on existing heater MUST be removed before connecting — failure to remove may damage the board
• ⚠️ Ozone output and Circ Pump MUST be the same voltage — changing W2 also changes the circ pump connector voltage; all equipment on J47 must be the same voltage
• ⚠️ DIP A4 (Aux Freeze) MUST remain OFF — setting A4 ON causes abnormal system behavior
• ⚠️ J12 jumper is factory set — DO NOT MOVE — incorrect J12 position causes software incompatibility and incorrect operation
• ⚠️ DIP A6 MUST be OFF for 60Hz US service — setting A6 ON is for 50Hz CE markets only
• ⚠️ Do not remove Fuse F7 (20A) — F7 must remain installed
• ⚠️ Setting DIP switches incorrectly may cause abnormal behavior or component damage
• ⚠️ Persistent Memory (J43) MUST be reset after any DIP switch change (except A1) — changes will not take effect until memory is reset

Post-Installation:

• ⚠️ Allow spa to complete Priming Mode before heater activates
• ⚠️ Verify correct SSID displays on power-up (should show 100, 93, 43 — software version 43)
• ⚠️ Test GFCI function, hi-limit sensor, and all safety features before first use

🔍 Error Codes & Troubleshooting

Power-Up Display Sequence

Display	Meaning	Action
Three numbers (SSID: 100, 93, 43)	System Software ID — third number = version 43	Normal — continue to next display
Hi (or bars)	Heater configured for 3–6kW range; 240V detected	Normal for VS504SZ at 240VAC
Lo	Heater in 1–3kW range; 120V detected	Expected if wired for 120VAC
PrE	Priming Mode starting	Normal — let pumps prime

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Symptom	Likely Cause	First Step
Nothing operates	Breaker off / GFCI tripped	Reset breaker and GFCI; restore power
Pump 2 not responding	A3 not ON, or button 6 not assigned	Set A3 ON; reset Persistent Memory (J43)
Circ pump not running	A9 not ON, or wrong circ pump mode	Set A9 ON with correct A5; reset Persistent Memory
No heat	DIP A2/A10 set to disable heat with pumps running	Check A2 + A10 table; adjust as needed
DIP switch changes not working	Persistent Memory not reset	Two-pin J43 during power-up; remove after “ready” display
Ozone or circ pump damaged	Voltage mismatch between W2 and equipment	Verify W2 and both J47/J29 equipment are same voltage
GFCI trips immediately	Wiring fault or copper strap not removed	Check copper strap removal; call licensed electrician
Wrong temperature scale	A8 switch incorrect	A8 ON = Celsius; A8 OFF = Fahrenheit; reset Persistent Memory
Panel not responding	Wrong panel type or wrong connector	Confirm VL701S or VL700S Serial Standard panel; check J1 connection

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability	Notes
♨️ VS504SZ system — direct replacement	✅ Exact replacement	Match chip VS504SZR1x; restore DIP settings
♨️ Artesian Spas (MVS504SZ models)	✅ Compatible — 6-button panel config only	Verify button layout before ordering
♨️ Coleman by MAAX (107-961 / 107068)	✅ Compatible	Verify topside panel type
♨️ Clearwater Spas — VS504SZ models	✅ Compatible — select models	Verify chip number
♨️ Hawkeye / Coast Spas	✅ Compatible — select models	Verify chip number
♨️ Spas needing 2-speed pump + circ pump	✅ Supported via DIP A9	Ozone and circ pump must be same voltage
♨️ Spas needing perimeter lighting	❌ Not supported	This board has 12V standard light ONLY
♨️ Spas using TP-series or Deluxe (DZ) panels	❌ Not compatible	VS504SZ supports Serial Standard VL panels only

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know this board fits my spa? A: Locate the chip number label on your existing circuit board. It must read VS504SZR1 (any suffix). Also confirm your topside panel is a VL701S or VL700S Serial Standard panel. Never order based on board appearance — always verify the chip number and part number on the existing board label.

Q: What is the difference between G1153 and 54638-01? A: They are the same board — G1153 is the current Balboa part number, while 54638-01 is the former PCBA part number. G1153 ships with the updated Plug-n-Click heater adapter (PN 25696). Functionally identical.

Q: My spa has a circ pump — will this board work? A: Yes. The VS504SZ supports an optional single-speed circ pump via J47. DIP switch A9 must be set to ON when a circ pump is installed, and the ozone output must be set to the same voltage as the circ pump (via W2 wire).

Q: Can I add a second pump or blower to this board? A: Yes, with the right configuration. DIP switch A3 ON enables a 1-speed Pump 2 via J17/26. DIP switch A7 ON enables an optional expander board for a blower (use X-B expander) or a 1-speed Pump 3 (use X-P or X-P231 depending on amperage). Contact Parts4Tubs for the correct expander board recommendation.

Q: Does this board support my perimeter/LED light system? A: No. The VS504SZ board has a 12V standard spa light output only — it does not include perimeter light circuits. If your spa uses a perimeter lighting system, a different board model will be required. Contact Parts4Tubs for guidance.

Q: Do I need to do anything special with my existing heater? A: Yes. The copper strap on your existing heater must be removed before connecting it to this board. The new board ships with Plug-n-Click adapter (PN 25696). If keeping the original heater, you will also need heater adapter PN 25263 (60-138-1040). Failing to remove the copper strap can damage the board and will void warranty.

Q: Do I need a licensed electrician to install this? A: Yes. NEC Article 680 and most local codes require a licensed electrician for all spa electrical work, including circuit board replacement. A permit may also be required in your jurisdiction.

Q: My DIP switch changes don’t seem to work — what’s wrong? A: Persistent Memory must be reset after any DIP switch change (except A1). Power down, place a jumper across both pins of J43, power up, wait for the ready display, power down again, remove the jumper (or move to 1 pin), then power up again. Changes will not take effect until this reset is completed.

Q: What warranty comes with this board? A: Balboa Water Group provides a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Note: circuit boards are non-returnable once installed. Contact Parts4Tubs for warranty claim assistance.

🏆 Why Choose the Balboa VS504SZ (G1153)?

✅ M7 Technology — No external pressure switch or flow switch required; fewer components, simpler wiring, fewer potential failure points compared to older VS generations

✅ Proven VS Platform — The VS series is one of the most widely deployed spa control platforms in North America; service documentation and support are widely available

✅ Two Pump Outputs Built In — 2-speed Pump 1 plus optional 1-speed Pump 2 via DIP switch — covers most standard 2-pump spa configurations without an expander board

✅ Expansion Ready — Optional expander board support (X-B for blower, X-P/X-P231 for Pump 3) makes this board adaptable to a wider range of spa equipment configurations

✅ Genuine Balboa OEM Component — Correct chip (VS504SZR1), software version 43, and relay ratings for VS504SZ systems; not an aftermarket substitute

✅ Plug-n-Click Heater Adapter Included — Boards ship with PN 25696 adapter — saves a separate parts order for most installations

✅ Broad Cross-Reference — Replaces dozens of OEM and distributor part numbers across Artesian, Coleman, Clearwater, Hawkeye, Coast Spas, and other brands

✅ 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty — Backed by Balboa Water Group

🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

✅ US-based company with expert local support
✅ Fast US shipping on in-stock Balboa spa parts
✅ Spa specialists available for VS504SZ compatibility verification and DIP switch configuration help
✅ Competitive pricing on genuine Balboa OEM circuit boards
✅ Full warranty support — we help process Balboa warranty claims
✅ Easy returns within 30 days on eligible non-electrical items
✅ Related accessories available — VL701S topside panels, VX20/VX40S aux panels, heater kits, sensors, expander boards, and adapters
✅ Expert guidance on whether VS504SZ or a newer platform (BP501, BP7) is the right replacement

✨ Summary

The Balboa VS504SZ Circuit Board (G1153) — formerly 54638-01 — is the genuine OEM replacement for VS504SZ spa control systems. Featuring M7 Technology (no pressure switch), 2-speed primary pump control, optional secondary pump, optional circ pump support, a 4.0kW heater at 240VAC, and a 12V standard spa light output, this board covers the full VS504SZ equipment range when paired with a Serial Standard VL701S or VL700S topside panel. Ships with Plug-n-Click heater adapter (PN 25696); copper strap removal required. Compatible with Artesian, Coleman, Clearwater, Hawkeye, and Coast Spa models. Backed by a 1-year Balboa warranty. Order with confidence from Parts4Tubs.

Finding and identifying a replacement Hot Tub Circuit Board (PCB)

If you are looking to replace a failed PCB on your Hot Tub’s spa pack, then quite often identifying the part that you need can be the hardest thing.

Firstly, you are looking for a model number on the actual circuit board itself. Having the model or serial of your hot tub is not going to help at this point, you need to find the number on the PCB itself.

Now, with certain brands of PCB, the number of the replacement PCB that you need is not going to match identically the one you are replacing. Why is that I hear you ask?

Well, normally, it is an updated version. This means that it might have updated firmware on the PCB or be a later revision. Normally, this means that the part number would be slightly different. This is usually indicated with a “12345678 -x” at the end of that part number where x indicated a firmware revision.

In some cases, there will be some following letters on the part number of the circuit board, “12345678 -x MAS” this can indicate that the PCB was used for an OEM meaning it was produced for a certain hot tub manufacturer and the letters identify the manufacturer.

This means if you source an original PCB, it will not have the letters, but will in most cases work just fine.

It can be confusing I know!

What if you can’t find a model number?

If you can’t find a model number on the PCB itself, then you need to look for a model number on the spa pack. Normally, there is a sticker on the outside of the spa pack that tells you the current ratings and input voltages etc and this will have a model number.

In general, most spa packs in the USA are manufactured by Balboa, Hydro-Quip, ACC or Gecko. I know I am generalising here, but if you have a spa pack that has the brand of your hot tub on, it will be an OEM so the key is identifying who made the original box.

From there, you can normally find an original PCB that you will be able to switch out.

For example, the Balboa VS (value series) is a very popular spa pack that has been used by multiple hot tub manufacturers under their own brand names. Whatever they have called it, strip it back and it is still a Balboa VS.

Visual Inspection

One of the most important things you can do when you are looking for a replacement is to visually inspect the PCB that you have versus the picture online of the replacement you are considering. They need to look the same even if there are the differences in firmware revisions or OEM part numbers, you should be visually replacing a PCB that looks like the one you have.

Configuring a replacement Hot Tub Circuit Board (PCB)

When you get a new PCB, you are more than likely going to need to configure it. Most PCBs have a number of different modes and setups that the can operate in. For this, you will need to manual or spec sheet to guide you.

For things like DIP switches, most of the time you can copy the settings from your original circuit board. You are looking for things like setting the voltage as a lot of PCBs can be configured to run on both 115V and 230V.

You may need to move jumpers or even wires to configure voltages – the key here is that you read the schematic and don’t expect the PCB to just work out of the box – it usually doesn’t.

Troubleshooting a Hot Tub Circuit Board (PCB)

Here are some common things you will see when you replace a PCB on a hot tub.

You press the buttons on the topside control and they don’t control the right parts (pumps or blower etc) – this is a mode configuration thing and you will either need to change some DIP switches on the PCB or an internal or low level programming mode on the topside control. Check the manual for how to do this.

You turn on the hot tub and it trips the breaker – it is not common for a new PCB to fail out of the box (I have not seen one yet!) However, a common mistake is that the voltage has not been set correctly. If it is set for 115V and then you try and turn it on, the current draw will be a lot more (twice) than expected and the breaker will trip.

To check this, unplug all of your kit – heater, pumps, blower and then turn on the PCB. If it trips with nothing plugged in, usually the voltage is incorrectly set and what is happening is that live current is being sent to the ground – because you have 4 wires into the PCB rather than 3. Current on the ground loop causes the trip. Check the settings to make sure it is configures for 230V.

It might not trip until you physically turn on a pump or a blower. As mentioned, if the pack is set to 115V and your pump is meant for 230V, it will draw twice the current at half the voltage and trip your breaker. Check the manual for info on how to set the voltage.