S
Steve Smith
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
I recently added a 240 volt dryer circuit. I'm not an electrician or
electrical engineer. I read a do it your self book and had no problems what
so ever. However, it sparked my curiosity(no pun intended) and I'd like to
get a better understanding of the two phases used in US household electric
systems. I understand that each hot bus in the panel is 120 volts and they
are out of phase with each other, so together there is a potential
difference which equals 240 volts. Do all 240 volt appliances require two
separate 120 volt out of phase power sources? Do they ever connect each 120
volt wire together making one 240 volt wire? If not, what would happen if
this was done? Would the two phases cancel each other out and result in zero
volts? Or, would you have a major problem with your electrical system? I'm
not thinking about doing this. I just want to get a better understanding of
how the system works. I'm also wondering if it's common practice to split
your circuits between the two hot buses. Any enlightenment would be
appreciated.
Thank you,
Steve Smith
electrical engineer. I read a do it your self book and had no problems what
so ever. However, it sparked my curiosity(no pun intended) and I'd like to
get a better understanding of the two phases used in US household electric
systems. I understand that each hot bus in the panel is 120 volts and they
are out of phase with each other, so together there is a potential
difference which equals 240 volts. Do all 240 volt appliances require two
separate 120 volt out of phase power sources? Do they ever connect each 120
volt wire together making one 240 volt wire? If not, what would happen if
this was done? Would the two phases cancel each other out and result in zero
volts? Or, would you have a major problem with your electrical system? I'm
not thinking about doing this. I just want to get a better understanding of
how the system works. I'm also wondering if it's common practice to split
your circuits between the two hot buses. Any enlightenment would be
appreciated.
Thank you,
Steve Smith