[GreenKeys] Australian Power cords.

Wed Jun 8 21:33:49 EDT 2022

In the US, typical residential power is 120/240 V split phase (center tapped, grounded neutral), often erroneously called “2-phase” (Black L1, Red L2, white neutral, green earth)

Commercial power is often 120/208V wye, grounded neutral, which is basically compatible with the split phase system in the sense that a 

230 V load can usually be powered by 2 legs (the 208 is often closer to 211), sometimes a boost autotransformer is used. (Black L1, Red L2, Blue L3, white neutral, green earth)

There is also 277/480 wye for larger commercial loads, where the 277 single phase is often used for lighting loads (Brown L1, Orange L2, Yellow or Violet L3, grey neutral, green earth)

In older communities, a 230V delta was sometimes used, with one phase center tapped and grounded. You had three phase available, with 115/230 as well.  Terrible idea, glad it’s gone! (mostly)

Scott W7SVJ

I find all the different distribution voltages and connection very interesting, not to mention trying to keep all the color codes straight!

From: Doug Jackson <doug at doughq.com> 
Sent: Wednesday, June 8, 2022 6:18 PM
To: scottjohnson1 at cox.net
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Australian Power cords.

Yep

That implies that the 415 number is now technically incorrect given the change to 230v - but absolutely 240v line to neutral.

Kindest regards,

Doug Jackson

em: doug at doughq.com <mailto:doug at doughq.com> 

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On Thu, 9 Jun 2022 at 11:12, <scottjohnson1 at cox.net <mailto:scottjohnson1 at cox.net> > wrote:

So, 240V line to neutral?  (415/sqrt3)

From: greenkeys-bounces at mailman.qth.net <mailto:greenkeys-bounces at mailman.qth.net>  <greenkeys-bounces at mailman.qth.net <mailto:greenkeys-bounces at mailman.qth.net> > On Behalf Of Doug Jackson
Sent: Wednesday, June 8, 2022 6:03 PM
To: ken Schwieker <ksweek at mindspring.com <mailto:ksweek at mindspring.com> >
Cc: Greenkeys <GreenKeys at mailman.qth.net <mailto:GreenKeys at mailman.qth.net> >
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Australian Power cords.

We have a Mains Earth Neutral system (MEN).

Voltage is supplied between an active line and a neutral, with the neutral also being earth bonded at the switchboard.

Pulling current from any pin to ground will trip a safety element called a Residual Current Device (RCD) - That's what protects kids from sticking forks into toasters..

We also have 415 volts available in domestic homes if they have all three phases pulled into the house, measured between the phases.