[Heathkit] Re: Voltage standard

[Gerry Steffens]

Sorry guys.  There was a time long ago when the vernacular was 110 =
volts.  It was only that way because of the  lack of system capability =
to hold 120 volts could be achieved.  This was particularly true =
previous to 1950.  Years ago one could find regular light bulbs of 110 =
V, 115 V, 117V, and 120 V.  This was to provide better light 'cause as =
someone pointed out the old squared relationship.  That holds for light =
emitted also.

The voltage standard for distribution in the U.S. has been and continues =
to be 120 volts A.C. 60 Hz.

If you stop and think, you probably have heard of 120/240 volts, in =
business 120/208 volts with the next step being 480V..

As a matter of practice utility companies will set the voltage =
regulators in their distribution substations at 121 or 122 or maybe even =
123 at the substation so the under all conditions the first customer on =
the line never sees over about 121 volts and hopefully never under about =
117V.  This higher voltage at the start of a feeder provides for =
adequate voltage at the ends of the distribution feeders (voltage losses =
along the way).

There has been/is no grand conspiracy nor plans to change it.

Been an engineer in the utility business almost as long as I have =
collecting and restoring these glowbug things.

Gerry

Collecting & Restoring since 1959
Gerald Steffens P.E.
Rochester, MN


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