David Ashton
Well-Known Member
I also may be missing something but why not just buy some transformers?
I would not do it that way. I would build breakouts with 3 L6-20 plugs on them.
I also may be missing something but why not just buy some transformers.
Err....not exactly. The moving light load we are discussing is a 208V single-phase load. However, that single-phase power needs to come from two of the three phases, each of which is 120V above ground. That is why a two-pole, common-trip (not "double throw" as mentioned earlier) breaker is required. Nevertheless, this is a 208V single phase circuit.
I knew I was going to have to meter it to see if it is even possible. I know that I can't get 208v with the same phase hot. I did not know that is was called 208v single-phase load. That phrase is a little misleading to me. Is there a such of a thing as a 208v 3 phase load? I know that there is nothing called a 208v 2 phase load.
I am guessing that 2 pole could mean two hots but I would think common-trip and double throw would be saying the same thing. Is there a difference? If I can't get 3 208v circuits off of my socapex drops then this line of discussion is moot. And hearing from some of you there looks like there is little hope in that.
Some wiki terms:
I knew I was going to have to meter it to see if it is even possible. I know that I can't get 208v with the same phase hot. I did not know that is was called 208v single-phase load. That phrase is a little misleading to me. Is there a such of a thing as a 208v 3 phase load? I know that there is nothing called a 208v 2 phase load. I am guessing that 2 pole could mean two hots but I would think common-trip and double throw would be saying the same thing. Is there a difference? If I can't get 3 208v circuits off of my socapex drops then this line of discussion is moot. And hearing from some of you there looks like there is little hope in that.
208 single phase is a really 120/208 3 phase with no load on one leg or the neutral.
So you are seeing 2 phases, which is why derekeflew linked to all those terms. Common residential 120/240 systems are called single phase because the two are exactly opposite of each other. I believe (but can't find a ref) that early electrical was 2 hots only. If you only have 2 wires you only have one phase. Pick up a ground somewhere and you get a whole other set of voltages.
Clear as mud!
) Next debate I have regarding the same connectors when using 12/3 SO cable does it truly matter if if black and white are wired to either x or y? I have always wired black to X white to Y.
Yes it matters.
If you use those cables say for a practical and wire up a medium screw base lamp socket and your hot/neutral is reversed, the button contact is now neutral and the screw contact is hot. Potentially a dangerous scenario and not at all an expected wiring configuration.
We still use old-style twist connectors in one space and have too many of the connectors that used the X/Y coding, rather then brass/copper. We test every cable, adapter, two-fer and unit every year with a standard neon circuit analyzer. We would go crazy with all the Hot/Neutral reversed errors if we did not pay attention to correct wiring habits.
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