What is the typical voltage between the two hot legs in a 240V residential service in the US?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Prepare for the New York City Electrician Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the typical voltage between the two hot legs in a 240V residential service in the US?

Explanation:
Two hot legs in a US home come from a center-tapped transformer that provides split-phase 120/240 V. Each leg is 120 V relative to neutral, but they are 180 degrees out of phase. When you measure between the two hot legs, their voltages add, giving 240 V. That’s why 240 V is used for heavy appliances like ranges and dryers. The other numbers don’t apply here: 480 V would be a different, higher-voltage industrial system; 60 V isn’t a standard residential voltage; 120 V is only between a hot leg and neutral, not between the two hot legs.

Two hot legs in a US home come from a center-tapped transformer that provides split-phase 120/240 V. Each leg is 120 V relative to neutral, but they are 180 degrees out of phase. When you measure between the two hot legs, their voltages add, giving 240 V. That’s why 240 V is used for heavy appliances like ranges and dryers. The other numbers don’t apply here: 480 V would be a different, higher-voltage industrial system; 60 V isn’t a standard residential voltage; 120 V is only between a hot leg and neutral, not between the two hot legs.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy