Carlos E. R. wrote:
Ah, that's explains some things for me, thanks.
No, it is 3 phases (look at the waveforms with a scope), but each one is split in half voltages. Interesting trick.
The homes are still fed from a single phase. With the distribution system, a higher voltage is used to carry the power into the neighbourhood, with transformers used to reduce the voltage to household levels. In North America, the difference is the centre tap, with two wires, instead of one.
The reason for the three phase distribution is that you can carry more current with less copper (4 wires instead of 6 for the same total load).
With the split system, assuming loads balanced on both sides, there is no difference. With an imbalance, the neutral carries the difference. In no case would the current ever exceed that in the European system.
The method you describe has to be short distance, and provides the advantage of having two voltages in the house, normal and "heavy duty". A 110 AC line is less dangerous for electrocutions, but worse on heavy loads because of fire risk (higher current).
Typical wiring here is 15A (sometimes 20) per circuit, though some circuits, such as stoves & dryers are higher. Just use the right size wire and there's no more risk. -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, e-mail: opensuse+owner@opensuse.org