Frequently we gets requests to provide a transformer or a UPS for a certain piece of equipment. For many reasons, manufacturers tend to be very curt with the electrical or UPS requirements on their brochures. What information they do provide can be cyptic.
One area of frustration is matching the voltage of equipment. Here are some voltage expressions and what the
| Type of Voltage | Domain |
# of Wires
|
Comments |
| 120 | Residential, Commercial |
3
|
Your standard household power |
| 208 | Commercial |
3
|
Created from a 3phase source. Standard "IT" voltage |
| 240 | Residential, Commercial |
3
|
Also called Delta, because each wire is 120v, creating 240volt across the system. Large machines and your Oven uses this power. |
| 240 | Commercial |
3
|
Also called a High leg. Its a single wire of 240v with a neutral and a ground. Caution when working with it. |
| 120/240 | Residential, Commercial |
4
|
Split phase system with a separate neutral and ground. Your house panel has this system. |
| 120/208 | Commercial |
4
|
Split phase commercial. |
| 120/208/240 | Anywhere |
3/4
|
Not a system, but a designation usually meaning it takes any high voltage system (208v, 240, 120/240, etc) |
| 220 | No where |
?
|
The stuff of fairy tales |
Notice, there is NO 220volt in this country. Its a commonly used term to describe the average high voltage power, but it does not exist in nature.
