[Shop-talk] Yet Another Wiring Question

[David Scheidt]

On Tue, Jun 30, 2009 at 3:13 PM, Randall<tr3driver at ca.rr.com> wrote:
>> And, despite what insteon calls it, you've only got one phase in your
>> home wiring. B What you have is single phase center tapped. B Both hots
>> are on the same phase.
>
> Depends on your point of view. B Put both hots on a scope at the same time
> and you'll find that they are different phases (when using the neutral as a
> reference). B From an EE point of view, there are two phases available,
> separated by 180 degrees. B If the two wires were in phase, and both the
same
> voltage to ground, there would be no net voltage between them.
>
> But to an electrician, this is a split-phase system, rather then two phase.

My AC circuits prof would box your ears for that.  There's one phase.
Choosing the neutral as a measuring point doesn't magically give you
two.  (Were there really two phases, you wouldn't be able to run 240V
loads from the system.)


--
David Scheidt
dmscheidt at gmail.com