[Boatanchors] Basic electricity question

[J. Forster]

Simply put, the ground is a protective conductor. Akin to the case of a breaker
box. It's typically connected to physical ground or a water pipe, depending on
code.

In two phase circuits (as used in domestic situations) the line is like the plus
and is hot to ground.

The neutral is the return like the minus and is usually near ground. Neutral and
Ground are connected at some point.

If the line voltage is observed with respect to neutral on a scope, it will be a
sine wave. If you have a multi-trace scope, and put the other channels on the
other lines in a three phase circuit, you will see three sine waves, 120 degrees
shifted in phase between them.

That's roughly it.
-John

William L Howard wrote:

> BA's and 3-wire cords
>
> For those of us who are not electricians, would somebody please explain
> two phase versus three phase current and also what is meant by neutral
> lead, and ground? If it were DC it would be positive + and negative -
> but with AC it alternates.
>
> Simple explanations appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill Howard
>
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