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by remram 566 days ago
They actually distribute 240V in USAmerica, one neutral wire and two opposite-phase 120V wires. Outlets in homes are 120V but wiring 240V is not difficult.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split-phase_electric_power

This is different from Europe where we usually distribute 3 phases 130V.

2 comments

> but wiring 240V is not difficult.

Most homes don't have more than a few 240v circuits, and they are usually always dedicated to a single device. My house has 4: range, oven, drier, water heater, all with only a single outlet. The concept of wiring split-phase 240V is not difficult, but getting 4-conductor 12-gauge wiring run to a new location in an existing building is not exactly easy.

So, the power delivery type/format _isn't_ exotic, but the ability to use it in arbitrary locations in a [residential] building, compared to 120V being in every room (though perhaps not 120V/20A in every room)

I have 4 a well, but in my case it's Range/oven, Dryer, Water heater, and a 240v outlet in my garage that would be great for either recharging an electric vehicle or powering high voltage tools like a welder/plasma cutter.
Sure, but wiring 240v is still not difficult -- even in the States. The physical act of wiring 240v is on par with that of wiring 120v.
3 phases 230v you mean?
> In Europe, three-phase 230/400 V is most commonly used. However, 130/225 V, three-wire, two-phase electric power discontinued systems called B1 are used to run old installations in small groups of houses when only two of the three-phase high-voltage conductors are used.
I know how to wikipedia too! They said usually, not "in some really rare cases"