I see what you are saying, that worst case, if L1 had 10 amps and L2 had 20 amps, the neutral wire might possibly have to carry all 30 amps as opposed to a split phase transformer neutral only carrying the difference of 10 amps. Thanks.Baluncore said:It works because
the current in hot1 that returns through the neutral is out of phase with
the current in hot2 that returns through the neutral, so the two opposite currents in the neutral cancel.
If both hot circuits have a maximum resistive load, then there is no neutral current.
hapster57 said:my question stems from having two single phase inverters and wanting to hook them up to a home panel board with a common neutral the two inverters will be randomly out of phase with each other,
Baluncore said:This is a dangerous game. I recommend you avoid it.
If you don't know what you are doing, call a local electrician.
Dullard said:Your house probably isn't wired this way - DON'T!
Split phase power is a type of electrical power commonly used in North America for residential and light commercial buildings. It involves a single-phase electrical system where the voltage is split into two separate 120 volt lines. This allows for both 120 volt and 240 volt appliances to be powered from the same system. The 240 volts is typically used for high-demand appliances like dryers, ovens, and air conditioners, while 120 volts is used for standard household appliances and lighting.
Split phase power is generated by using a center-tapped transformer. This transformer takes a single-phase input and provides two output voltages that are 180 degrees out of phase with each other, each at half the voltage of the input. For example, if the input is 240 volts, the output will be two 120 volt lines. The center tap of the transformer is typically grounded and serves as a neutral line, which is a common return path for currents flowing through the 120 volt lines.
One of the main advantages of using split phase power is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness in residential settings. It allows for the use of both 120 volt and 240 volt appliances without the need for complex or expensive electrical infrastructure. Additionally, the presence of a neutral line provides a safer environment by reducing the chances of electrical shocks and allowing for more straightforward fault detection and interruption.
Yes, split phase power can be converted to three-phase power using a phase converter. These devices are used when three-phase equipment needs to be operated in locations where only single-phase power is available. There are several types of phase converters, including rotary and static converters, each with its own applications, benefits, and limitations. However, the conversion process might involve efficiency losses and additional costs.
While split phase power is suitable for residential and light commercial applications, it has limitations in industrial settings where higher power and efficiency are required. The main limitation is the lower power capacity compared to three-phase systems, which can deliver power more continuously and are more efficient for heavy machinery. Additionally, the voltage imbalance that might occur in split phase systems can lead to inefficient operation of electrical devices and increased wear and tear.